



COPYRIGHT DEPOSm 



"DAME CURTSEY'S " 

Art of :^-^. 

ENTERTAINING 

F'or All Occasions 



NO VEL SCHEMES FOR OLD AND YO UNG 

AT HOME, CHURCH, CLUB, AND 

SCHOOL, ARRANGED 

BY MONTHS 



By 

Ellye Howell Glover 

"Dame Curtsey" 

Author of " 'Dame Curtsey's' Book of Guessing Contests," 

" 'Dame Curtsey's' Book of Party Pastimes for the 

Up-To-Date Hostess," Etc, Etc. 




CHICAGO 

A. C. McCLURG & CO, 

1918 



36 



G.^ 



A'^' 



< 1 1< 



COPYUIGHT, 191S 
HY F. G. BROWNE & CO, 



COPYRIGHT 

A. C. McCLURG vSj CO. 
1018 



APR -4 1918 

W. P. HALL l»«INTING COMPANY, CHICAGO 

0CI.A4J)29'17 



^' A 



Foreword 



THE importance of play is now a recognized factor 
in the education of our children, and the social 
side of life must not be forgotten, nor the observ- 
ance of special days and customs, which add zest and 
fascination to any party or entertainment. 

What to do and how to do it, is a problem which con- 
fionts every mother, teacher, club-woman and guild- 
vvorker, as well as young people who are both in and out 
of school. 

So the many requests for another *^ Dame Curtsey " 
book is granted by this compilation which has been 
garnered from magazine clippings, from newspapers and 
friends; some are original, and all, I am sure, will prove 
helpful in the art of entertaining. 

E. H. G. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PAGE 

ENTERTAINING IN JANUARY 1-12 

An Ancient Custom — Recipe for the New Year Pie — 
Favors for a New Year's Party — A New Year's Eve 
Party — New Year's Dispatches — A New Year's Wish 

— A Novel Shower — Decorations for New Year's — A 
New Year's Gift — A Twelfth-Night Party — St. Agnes' 
Day — A Birthday Dinner — Novel Calender Party — 
Children's Party. 

ENTERTAINING IN FEBRUARY lS-40 

Candlemas — Dickens' Birthday — Lincoln's Birthday 

— The First American Valentine — A Valentine Party — 
A Valentine Announcement — A Patriotic Rag Party — 
Colonial Reception — A Washington Card Party — Fancy 
Dress Party — A Patriotic Luncheon — A Children's 
Washington Party — A Colonial Fair — A MiHtary Euchre 

— Longfellow's Birthday. 

ENTERTAINING IN MARCH 41-59 

A First of March Party — A March Hare Party — A 
Violet Party for Grandmother — Charity Card Parties for 
Lent — Lenten Suggestion — Lenten Luncheons — For 
"Mothering" Sunday — The Story Chain — A Lenten 
" Marked Down" Party — Lenten Work — Dollar Parties 

— Good Friday " Hot Cross " Buns — St. Patrick's Day. 

ENTERTAINING IN APRIL 61-88 

An April Fool Party — A First of April Party — Rainy 
Day Luncheon — An April Shower — Easter Parties — 
For the Glad Easter Tide — For the Easter Table — 
Easter Engagements — An Egg Dance — Easter Morn in 
Germany — Easter Party for Children — Quaint Easter 
Monday Custom — Why the Rabbit at Easter? — Easter 
Place Cards — The Easter Table — A Lily Luncheon — 
A Money-raising Party — An Easter Rabbit Table — 
Holding an Egg Race — Easter Wedding Decorations — 
In Honor of Shakespeare — For Shakespeare's Birthday — 
For Easter Monday— For a Dutch Affair — An "All 
Day" Easter Party. 

[vii] 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PAQV 

ENTERTAINING IN MAY 89-97 

May-Day Doings — All in the Merrie Month of May — 
A *' Wishing Well" Shower — A May F^te — Charming 
Centerpieces for May — An Apple Blossom Luncheon — 
A May Party Table. 

ENTERTAINING IN JUNE 99-127 

A Rose Shower — A Rose Luncheon — For the Sweet 
Girl Graduate — A Class Day Entertainment — A Flag 
Day Party — A Luncheon for Graduates — Unique AfiFair 
for a June Bride — For June Brides — "Toasts'* for the 
Bride — June Wedding Decoration — Contest for a Rose 
Luncheon — The Daisy Chain — Favors for an Embroidery 
Club — A Clover Luncheon — For a School Entertainment 

— A Trip to Europe — Friendship Toasts — Steamer Let- 
ter " Shower " — A Farewell Good-Luck Party. 

ENTERTAINING IN JULY, AUGUST, AND SEP- 
TEMBER 129-143 

A July Luncheon — Menu for an Outdoor Supper — A 
Star Hunt — A Fourth of July Tea — July Fourth Lunch- 
eon — A Sweet Pea Party — For a Porch Party — A Gar- 
den Shower — Open Air Card Parties — A Seaside Party 
in August — A Seashore Supper — A Rainbow Picnic — 
For Labor Day — A Tennis Dinner. 

ENTERTAINING IN OCTOBER 145-171 

An October Luncheon — All Hallowe'en — Hallowe'en 
Fun — Hallowe'en Engagement Announcement Party — 
Hallowe'en Suggestions — Choosing Hallowe'en Partners — 
A Fortune Ball — The Leaf Fortune — A Church Social — 
Hallowe'en Capers — Nut-crack Night — Mystic Writing 

— Hallowe'en Refreshments — Chestnut Brownies — The 
Apple Fate — Witch Night Parties — A Novel Hallowe'en 
Centerpiece — To Find Partners on Hallowe'en — Hal- 
lowe'en Stunts — Pumpkin Party — Hallowe'en Cakes — 
A Hallowe'en Party Invitation — New and Old Tricks. 

ENTERTAINING IN NOVEMBER 173-189 

Forfeits for November Parties — Our Great Thanks- 
giving Day — Origin of Thanksgiving Day — Turkey Co- 
nundrums — A November Card Party — Tableaux for 
Thanksgiving Day — Suggestions for Thanksgiving Even- 
ing — A Thanksgiving Mart — Grains of Corn Place Cards 

— Ears of Com Favors — Party for Thanks Day Night — 
Toasts for Thanksgiving Day — A Thanksgiving Character 
Party — Sentiments for Thanksgiving Day — The Worker's 
Thanksgiving. 

[ viii ] 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PAGE 

ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 191-230 

Christmas Sentiments — The Origin of the Christmas 
Tree — A Russian Christmas Eve Party — '* Puss in Boots " 
at Christmas — Jingles for Christmas Gifts — To go with a 
Book — A Novel Winter Table — Unique Holiday Party 

— Novel Ways to give Money — Christmas Gifts in Snow- 
balls — For a Simday-school Christmas Tree — Tab- 
leaux Vivants for Christmas — A Christmas Supper — 
Making Christingles — Christmas Legends — Idea for Christ- 
mas Decoration — Hymn for Christmas — How to Gild 
Nuts — Christmas Fun — A Cheese-cloth Christmas — 
For Christmas Party Invitations — Santa Claus Puzzle 
Game — A Cranberry Hunt — Decoration for a Holiday 
Wedding — Ideas for the Christmas Table — The Land of 
the Snow — A Christmas Poem — A Christmas Tree for 
Dolly — A Christmas Card Party — Christmas Party 
for Children — Ways of giving Presents — A Yuletide 
Wedding — A Christmas Tree Party — The Pedigree of 
Santa Claus — Christmas Sentiments — The First Christ- 
mas Carol — A Holiday Party — High Tea for HoUday 
Week. 

ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS AND 

SHOWERS 231-260 

Two Ways to announce an Engagement — A Novel 
Announcement — An Announcement Dinner — Favors for 
an Engagement Luncheon — Place Cards for an Engage- 
ment Announcement — The Bride's Bouquet — A Military 
Annoucement — To Find Partners — Clever Engagement 
Announcement — For the Bridal Table — Daisy Wedding 
Decoration — Novel Idea for a Bridal Table — Announce- 
ment Party — Designs for Place Cards — Engagement 
Announcement — Interesting to Brides-elect — A Hosiery 
Shower — A Pre-nuptial Luncheon — A ** Sweet and 
Sour" Shower — A Cap Shower — Showers for a Bride- 
groom — A Novel Shower — A Pansy Luncheon and 
Shower — A Bag Shower — A Handkerchief Shower — A 
Basket Shower — A Linen Shower — A Cup-and-Saucer 
Shower — A Practical Shower — Spoon Shower — A Mis- 
cellaneous Shower — A Pin Shower — A Rose Shower — A 
Kitchen Shower — Wedding Anniversaries. 

BIRTHDAY PARTIES AND AMUSEMENTS FOR 

CHILDREN 261-284 

A Powpow Party — The Game of "Sons" — "Bird Pie" 

— A New Setting of an Old Game — Playing Charades — 
Tableaux for Girls — For a ** Track Meet" — A Birth- 

[ix] 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PAGE 

day Sand Party — A Robin Hood Party — Invitation for 
a Kimono Party — A Doll Party — A Clothes pin Party — 
Gingerbread Party — Old-fashioned Games — Shut-in 
Day Amusements — Novel Birthday Custom — For a 
Birthday Child — An Alice-in- Wonderland Party — New 
BHnd Man's Buff. 

PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 285-335 

An A B C Party — For a House Party — A Progres- 
sive Dinner — A Lemon Party — A Gift for Young Mothers 

— In Honor of the Stork — A Stork Party — Table for a 
Stork Shower — A Novelty Party — A Shirtwaist Luncheon 

— A White Elephant Party — Novel Card Party Idea — 
Japanese Luncheon — Hints for the Hostess — Place 
Cards — An Animal Party — Fun with Anagrammed 
Names — Deft Finger Test — Bachelor Stag Dinner — A 
Mother Goose Luncheon — Clever Entertainment Scheme 

— New Idea in Place Cards — Shower for a Shut-in — 
Progressive Church Dinner — For Mother's Birthday — 

— Card Party "a la Japan" — Japanese Suggestions — 
For a Stag Dinner — Bridge Luncheon Centerpiece — An 
Old-fashioned Party — A Pin Party — Representative 
Birthday Party — Choosing Partners at a Musical Party 

— A Bargain Party — A Sample Party — A Pie-plant Party 

— A Quadruple Birthday Party — A Post-office Party — 
A State Contest — A '* New Woman " Party — Coffee and 
Gossip — Dinner Table Entertainment — Mother Goose 
Party — A Peanut Frolic — A Fad Party — A Brown and 
Yellow Menu — Shut Your Eyes — A Proverb Contest — 
To Find Partners. 

ENTERTAINMENTS FOR CHURCHES AND 

CLUBS 337-355 

A Tea Party — Novel Bazaar Feature — A Lemon Party 

— A Chm-ch Entertainment — Beehive Festival — A Bird 
Festival — Handkerchief Sale — A Novel Church Supper — 
A New Can Shower — A Paper Bazaar — Three-sided 
Social — Novel Booth for a Summer Bazaar — A Success- 
ful Bazaar — A Peddler's Parade — New Box Party — A 
New Contest. 



[x] 



ENTERTAINING IN JANUARY 



A toast to the old year; a toast to the new. 
May its pleasures be many — its sorrows be few. 
A Hope for the future — a sigh for the past — 
A smile for the present — the hours speeding fast, 

A toast to the old friends — a toast to the new, 

A toast to the dear friends — and one to the trv^; 

A prayer to our Maker — in reverent fear. 

When we meet in a twelvemonth — that all may be here. 

Madeline Hughes Felton 



THE 
ART OF ENTERTAINING 




ENTERTAINING IN JANUARY 

AN ANCIENT CUSTOM 

LONG time ago it used to be the 
custom to open the door a few 
minutes before midnight to allow 
the Old Year to make his exit and 
the New Year his entrance. If you 
wish to add a dramatic finish to 
b' your party on New Year's eve, have 
some one impersonate Father Time; keep it secret, and 
have him enter and shake hands regretfully with each 
one. He must wear a long white beard, carry a scythe 
and hour-glass, and have on black satin breeches, silk 
hose, and slippers; in fact, a revolutionary costume is 
good to copy. As the hour strikes he waves a solenm 
farewell, and as the stroke finishes, the white-and-gold 
clad New Year enters with garlands and favors for 
each, which are smilingly bestowed amid the cries of 
"Happy New Year!" All then circle round singing 
"Auld Lang Syne." 

RECIPE FOR THE NEW YEAR PIE 

Here is a recipe for a "Happy New Year" pie. It 
strikes me as being just what we need for a motto 
during the next twelvemonth: 

[3] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

Take a quart of pure good-will. 

Flavor well with sympathy; 
Boil it on the fire until 

It is full of bubbling glee. 
Season with a dash of cheer, 

Mixed with love and tenderness; 
Cool off in an atmosphere 

That is mostly kindliness. 
Stick a dozen raisins in 

Made of grapes from laughter's vine. 
And such fruits as you may win 

In a purely jocund line. 
Make a batter from the cream 

Of good spirits running high, 

And you'll have a perfect dream 

Of a Happy New Year pie. 

Blakeney Gray 

FAVORS FOR A NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY 

At each plate put some musical instrument, such 
as horns, mouth organs, small drums, whistles, and 
bells. All these instruments of torture are permis- 
sible and may be used with vigor during the five 
minutes spent in welcoming the New Year, — that is, 
if there is no sickness in the neighborhood. 

Calendars are charming souvenirs for this occasion, 
also "Line a Day" books for prizes. 

A NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY 

Send out invitations for a "Watch Night" party or 
" Remembrance " party. 

If you can sketch, draw an hour-glass, a "' Father 
Time," or a clock face with the hands at midnight, or 

[4] 



ENTERTAINING IN JANUARY 

the last leaf on the calendar with "December 31" done 
in scarlet. Ask each one to tell of his or her happiest 
day in the year that is past and in what month it 
happened. You may play cards, dance, or "reminis- 
cence," just as suits you best. Have a cake with 
twelve candles surrounded by a wreath of holly and 
mistletoe, and the favors symbolic of the year's special 
days; for instance, a calendar for January, a Cupid or 
heart for February, a kite for March, a tiny umbrella for 
April, a posy or bouquet of artificial flowers for May, or 
a wee May-pole; a doll bride or a basket of roses for 
June; a firecracker for July; a golf set or picnic basket 
for August; a bunch of grapes or a small washtub for 
September, the latter signifying "Labor Day." Repre- 
sent October with a wee jack-o'-lantern cut from an 
orange; a pumpkin or a football for November, or a 
turkey; and for December a miniature Christmas tree. 
These articles could be procured in duphcate and be 
used to find partners, or they may be placed in a Jack 
Horner pie made to represent the face of a clock, red 
ribbons going to each place. This is an occasion when 
the fortune nuts may be used, taking perfect English 
walnuts and removing the meats, insert a narrow strip 
of paper bearing a pleasant prophecy for the coming 
season, and then glue the shells closely together. These 
may be gilded and passed at the table. A wise hostess 
who knows her guests well will be clever in making 
these forecasts just right. 

NEW YEAR'S DISPATCHES 

As a pastime, distribute telegram blanks with the 
words "New Year's Day" in large letters at the top, 

[5] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

and tell each one to write a telegram beginning with the 
letters of the above in the order that they come. Of 
course, these will be the merest nonsense but loads of 
fun, as the following example shows : 

'*Nora: — Every Woman Yearns Everlastingly After 
Romantic Situations. Delighted Again Yesterday." 

A NEW YEAR'S WISH 

A VERY acceptable message to send with your card 
to a friend on New Year's morning is the following 
sentiment: 

Now what is here? 

A word of cheer 

To herald in another year. 

May all its days be free of blame — 

A little nobler than your aim; 

May all its labors be confest 

A little better than your best; 

And all the joys within its scope 

A Uttle brighter than your hope; 

And may each year be found, when past, 

A little dearer than the last. 

A NOVEL SHOWER 

Santa Claus is forced to share the honors with that 
omnipresent little man called Cupid, and here is the 
way "Polly" planned to ''shower" a girl who was 
married on the last day of the year. 

There were only twelve or fourteen guests, all girls 
who had grown up with the bride-to-be. After all had 
arrived they went into the library to "discover the 

[6] 



ENTERTAINING IN JANUARY 

North Pole," and there it was, a good-sized pole firmly 
planted in a holly-covered tub, all white and spark- 
ling with diamond dust. From hooks driven into the 
post (or pole) hung the gifts, done up in white paper 
tied with silver tinsel, each package bore the card of 
the donor suitably inscribed with a sentiment to be 
read aloud. 

DECORATIONS FOR NEW YEAR'S 

We always associate bells with the first day of the 
new year. 

"Ring out the old, ring in the new; 
Ring out the false, ring in the true." 

Here is a charming decorative scheme for either a 
party or a wedding. Make a lattice of wire for the 
ceiling or use a coarse wire netting in which to place 
Southern smilax, and from the wire at intervals hang 
bells of silver or holly or of white diamond-dusted 
cotton. The clappers may be of mistletoe. This 
scheme is lovely in the dining-room, with a large central 
bell over the table. Have bell-shaped cards and ice- 
cream in the same shape. 

A NEW YEAR'S GIFT 

On the Continent and in most foreign countries the 
custom of giving presents on the first day of the New 
Year is universally observed; it is a day of feasting and 
merrymaking, of good cheer and hospitality. I wonder 
how many of you are familiar with these lines written 
by Bertha E. Jacques .^^ They are so good that I want 
you every one to read them : 

[7] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

"Of all the gifts that come to cheer. 
The best one is a brand-new year. 
Snow-wrapped and holly-decked it comes, 
To richest and to poorest homes. 

"Twelve jeweled months all set with days 
Of priceless opportunities; 
A silver moon and a golden sun 
With diamond stars when the day is done. 

"And over all a sapphire sky 
Where pearly clouds go floating by — 
Joy to you for the year that brings 
So many and such precious things." 

A TWELFTH-NIGHT PARTY 

The sixth day of January is "Twelfth-night," or 
"Old Christmas," and offers opportunities for a novel 
party. In England and many places on the Continent 
it was the time chosen for the most elaborate masked 
balls. An immense cake containing a ring was always 
served, and the guest obtaining the ring was for the 
time made "king" or "queen." 

In history we read how Mary Queen of Scots honored 
her maid, Mary Seaton, by robing her in her own royal 
apparel to be the "Queen of Twelfth-night." 

Tradition says that on this night every vestige of the 
Christmas green must be taken down and burned to 
propitiate the evil spirits and insure good luck to the 
household. Invitations for such a party afford an 
opportunity for the hostess to decorate them with 
water-color sketches of bonfires piled high with holly 
wreaths and Christmas trees. 

[8] 



ENTERTAINING IN JANUARY 

If there is no open fireplace for the cremation, there 
may be a back yard, even to an apartment, where the 
ceremony can take place. 

HaK the fun is to permit the guests to dismantle the 
house of the decorations and build the fire. The coals 
left by the blazing cedar offer a good chance for roasting 
marshmallows and chestnuts. Each person may be 
requested to tell a story while his or her especial armful 
of greens is being consumed, for each one must make an 
offering to the ''eviV spirits. A chafing-dish supper or 
an oyster roast, with coffee, cider, and sandwiches, will 
be sufficient refreshments, not forgetting the "mystery" 
cake. Tradition says it must contain a bean, or per- 
haps two, one for the lady and one for the man. The 
cake may be frosted in halves, pink for the ladies to cut, 
and white for the men. The finders are to be the 
honored ones for the remainder of the evening. Other 
"good luck" favors may be placed in the cake if the 
hostess wishes to do so. 

ON ST. AGNES' DAY 

The twentieth of January is the day celebrated in 
honor of good St. Agnes. At this season, in the days 
long gone, young maids were wont to peer into the 
future to discern, if possible, the characteristics pos- 
sessed by their husbands. The flowers for the day are 
rosemary and thyme, and a sprig of each was placed 
in a pair of wooden shoes, which in turn were placed on 
either side of the pillow when the young girl retired. 
This done, she was supposed to dream of the man who 
was to be her future helpmeet in life. White candles 
were burned and a "pin" stunt was popular, conducted 

[9] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

in this way : A row of pins was removed from the paper 
while this rhyme was repeated and the pins stuck one 
by one in the sleeve of her gown; 

I stick this pin, this pin I stick, 

To know the thing I know not yet; 
That I may see 

The man that shall my husband be — 
Not in his best or worst array, 
But what he weareth every day. 

That I, tomorrow, may him ken 

From among all other men. 

You see there are ideas here for a luncheon at which 
an engagement is to be announced, or for a bridal 
luncheon, as it is a day most befitting parties given just 
for girls. 

White flowers should be used, white candles and 
shades, and a white menu served. It would also add 
to the occasion if the guests all wore white. 

A JANUARY BIRTHDAY DINNER 

Once I thought that winter functions were not half so 
pretty as summer ones, but of late it seems as if nothing 
could be more suggestive of hospitality than a room 
warm with red and green decorations, quantities of 
candles, and a blazing fire in an open fireplace, without 
which no up-to-date house is complete. 

For the birthday dinner in January the table-cloth 
of Cluny lace should be laid over red silk. A huge cake 
should be the centerpiece, and it should be surrounded 
by a wreath of red candles and red carnations, which 
do not fade as quickly as roses. The mantel should be 

[10] 



ENTERTAINING IN JANUARY 

banked with poinsettias, the individual and reHsh 
dishes should be of red Bohemian glass. The place 
cards ought to have the verse for January written in 
red ink and decorated with red beads in lieu of garnets. 
The gift for the birthday girl is, of course, a handsome 
garnet ring set in silver and should be presented on a 
ring holder of red Bohemian glass. The maid should 
bring it in on a tray when the dessert is served. If there 
are eight or ten guests — college chums, perhaps — 
they might be asked to come in costume representing 
either some celebrity whose birthday occurs in January 
or something indicative of their own birth-month. 
The especial days for entertaining in January are New 
Year's Day, Twelfth-night, and the Eve of St. Agnes, 
January the twentieth. 

A NOVEL CALENDAR PARTY 

This party was a success the first time I tried it. I 
will tell you about it. The invitations were on bell- 
shaped bits of red cardboard, with lettering done in 
gold. The wording was to this effect: "Miss Blank 
requests your presence at a calendar party on the eve 
of the New Year to bid farewell to an old friend and 
welcome a newcomer. Please come wearing something 
to represent the month of your birth, one of the special 
days, if possible." 

The night in question arrived and the party pre- 
sented a most bewitching appearance. Many had the 
flower, stone, and verse representing their birth-month, 
and many wore something to represent the special day 
or days in that month. For instance, July was gay 
with red, white, and blue, with a fringe of small fire- 

[11] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

crackers around the tunic of the gown and a crown of 
gilt stars and silk flags on the side of the bodice. She 
carried a basket of ** poppies," wore an enormous ruby 
ring, and presented a card to the hostess which read, 

"Those who in warm July are born. 
The glowing ruby should adorn; 
Then will they be exempt and free 
From love's doubts and anxiety." 

This shows how effective the idea is when carried out. 
Decorate with holly, mistletoe, and candles. 

SNOW MEN FOR CHILDREN'S PARTY 

Don't say "these are too much trouble to make." 
Of course it would be a little easier to serve the ice- 
cream plain, but we must all take a bit more care with 
holiday parties, and the kiddies will just love these 
snow men. What you need is ball scoops in two sizes, 
some grated chocolate, some white stick candy, and 
some cloves. 

Take vanilla ice-cream, scoop out a league ball first, 
place the smaller ball on top, roll in grated cocoanut 
if you want it fuzzy, and if you wish some darkies, use 
a chocolate cream for the head. Stick in the candy 
arms, sprinkle on some chocolate for hair, put in cloves 
for eyes, and stand off to admire the result. Don't 
forget a clove nose and a couple for the mouth. In 
place of cloves, citron bits or candied cherries cut up 
may be used, or all three, to make a variety. Cloves 
or tiny hard red candies may be used for buttons down 
the front. In fact, there are many possibilities in mak- 
ing these cream figures very fascinating. 

[12] 



ENTERTAINING IN FEBRUARY 



ENTERTAINING IN FEBRUARY 
TO CELEBRATE CANDLEMAS 

HE first day to be celebrated during 
this month is "Candlemas," which 
falls on February 2. The hostess 
of today grasps any new idea by 
which to make her party a bit differ- 
ent, a little out of the commonplace, 
so I trust that these few suggestions 
will give novelty to any functions contemplated. 

Like most of our festival days. Candlemas is a church 
day, celebrating the purification of the Blessed Virgin. 
In the dark ages candles were burned on this day to 
ward off evil spirits. The European peasants believe 
that a fair Candlemas predicts severe weather, and the 
Scotch say : 




If Candlemas be fair and clear. 
There'll be two winters in the year. 



Let us suppose that a young woman whom none 
suspect of having succumbed to the wiles of Cupid is to 
announce her engagement on Candlemas at a luncheon 
to which nine of her dearest girl friends are to be bidden. 
The table should be round and covered with a white 
centerpiece and doiUes. The flower allotted to this day 

[15] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

is the modest snow drop. If it is not obtainable, 
Roman hyacinths may be used, with four tall, white 
wax tapers in glass candlesticks. At each place there 
will be an individual white candle in an inexpensive 
glass holder, which will be the favor, the name card 
being tied to it with white satin ribbon. These cards 
should have a row of candles with the names done in 
silver. By the candlesticks should be tiny boxes 
covered with white satin containing wax matches. 

With the coming of dessert the girls should light their 
tapers, and the bride-to-be must see that hers burns 
longest, which foretells that she is to be married within 
the year. The ice-cream may be frozen to represent 
candles. In the top of each may be placed a wee wax 
taper, which should be lighted when brought to the 
table. The cakes may be heart-shaped and frosted in 
white, with the initials of the happy pair done in silver 
bonbons on the top of each. 

FOR DICKENS' BIRTHDAY 

The seventh of February is Dickens' birthday, and 
some hostess may like to add a touch of novelty to an 
entertainment on that day. 

The guests may be asked to come in a costume repre- 
senting a character from one of the great novelist's 
books, or to wear some article to indicate the character 
or title of one of his books. 

For refreshments the hostess should have everything 
as old English as possible. She should use only candle 
light and place all the eatables on the table at once. 
The cold "joints" may be represented by roast beef 
or mutton, and there should be a cold roasted fowl. 

[16] 



ENTERTAINING IN FEBRUARY 

Individual meat pies or chops would be suitable, and 
she should not forget the orange marmalade, with seed 
cakes. If one desires there may be rye bread with 
tankards of ale. Of course, there must be the inevitable 
"tea." 

As each guest arrives, the name of the character he 
or she represents should be taken. After all have 
assembled, pass cards and pencils. Give a half hour 
for guessing the personages represented, then award a 
framed photograph of Dickens for the first prize and 
a copy of one of his stories for the second. 

There is a charming book called "Stories from 
Dickens" that is intended for yoimg readers, but it 
would be enjoyed by any devotee of this unequaled 
author. Decorate with the English flag and use any 
old English china or Sheffield plate that is obtainable. 

A DICKENS CONTEST 

Here is another suggestion for the observance of 
Dickens' birthday. This excellent contest came from 
England. In using it, leave blank the spaces for the 
titles of his stories, which are to be filled in by the 
guests. This is especially adaptable for clubs and 
literary societies. 

"Oliver Twist" had some "Hard Times" in the 
"Battle of Life," having been saved from "The Wreck 
of the Golden Mary" by "Our Mutual Friend" 
"Nicholas Nickleby," who had just finished telling "A 
Tale of Two Cities" to "Martin Chuzzlewit." "The 
Cricket on the Hearth " was chirruping " Right Merrily " 
and "The Chimes" were heard from an "Adjacent 
Church." "Seven Poor Travelers" had commenced 

[17] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

singing "A Christmas Carol" when "Barnaby Rudge" 
arrived from "The Old Curiosity Shop" with some 
"Pictures from Italy" and "Sketches by Boz" to show 
"Little Dorrit" who was busy reading "Pickwick 
Papers." "David Copperfield," after taking "Ameri- 
can Notes," arrived and informed "The Company" 
that the "Great Expectations" of "Dombey and Son," 
re "Mrs. Lirriper's Legacy," had not been realized. 
However, he had seen "Boots at the Holly tree Inn" 
taking "Somebody's Luggage" to "Mrs. Lirriper's 
Lodgings," which are in "No Thoroughfare" opposite 
"Bleak House," and had been informed that "The 
Uncommercial Traveler" had just given one of "Dr. 
Marigold's Prescriptions" to "The Haunted Man" 
who was brooding over "The Mystery of Edwin 

Drood." 

FOR LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY 

LiNCOLN^s birthday on the twelfth is worthy of 
celebrating. Patriotic features are, of course, in order. 
This is a good scheme to follow: Decorate w4th flags 
and the ever attractive red, white, and blue. A pretty 
way to use crepe paper is to make a lattice work of 
strips across a ceiling, placing flags and lanterns at 
intersections. When the guests arrive, pass little 
booklets tied with red, white, and blue ribbon. The 
company may be paired off into working partners by 
means of the questions and answers on the front of the 
booklets. For instance, the man who takes a booklet 
having the figures "1492" must find the girl who has 
"Christopher Columbus" on the front of her program, 
etc. Then conduct the guests into a room marked with 
a placard over the door ^vith this sign: "Museum of 

118] 



ENTERTAINING IN FEBRUARY 

Curios Connected with America." The Kst of objects 
given may be changed or added to as the hostess thinks 
best. Pictures cut from magazines or advertisements 
may serve for the real objects, though most of the 
articles may be found in childrens' play rooms and at 
the toy departments of the shops. 

A horse with a rider in colonial garb bearing the label, 
"This Horse and Rider Rode by Night." — Paul Revere. 

Two colored dolls with broken chains bearing the 
card: "Free." — A.Lincoln. 

A bunch of cherries with the title: "Our National 
Fruit." — Washington. 

A toy hatchet with the tag: "Guess Again." — 
Carrie Nation. 

A huge cigar labeled: "Always with a National 
Hero." — General Grant. 

A horse mounted by a "Rough Rider." — Roosevelt. 
*f A large sugar kiss tagged : "Once a Talked-of Hero." 

— Hobson. 

The United States flag wearing the card: "Two 
' Patriotic Women." — Betsy Ross and Barbara Frietchie. 

A music score and a conductor's baton. — Theodore 
Thomas. 

An old stove-pipe silk hat: "His Grandfather's 
Hat." — Benjamin Harrison. 

Two pencil marks just alike. — Mark Twain. 

An enormous toy elephant labeled: "The Greatest 
Show on Earth." — P. T. Barnum. 

A toy log cabin with a lot of little pickaninnies. — 

— Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe. 

A doll dressed as a Puritan maid seated at a spinning 
wheel. — Priscilla Alden. 

[19] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

A Confederate bill on a picture of the "White House 
of the Confederacy at Richmond." — JeflFerson Davis. 

ANOTHER TWELFTH OF FEBRUARY 
CELEBRATION 

This is the most unique and novel Lincoln party I 
have ever seen, so I want to tell you about it. It was 
planned by a young matron whose children were to 
celebrate the day. Everything was so realistic, that 
I was filled with admiration for the ingenuity of this 
mother. On the table she had constructed a log cabin. 
It was built of delicious candy sticks of molasses flavor. 
The windows were made of spun sugar which looked for 
all the world like glass, and the spun threads made the 
finest kind of snow for the yard. The chimney looked 
like brick but was made of peppermint squares. In 
the yard were a few trees and the whole was surrounded 
by a splendid rail fence built of butter-cream sticks. 
At each place was a souvenir haK-pound box of candy 
the top of which bore a picture of Lincoln. 

You can just imagine the delight of those young 
people, and, by the way, the children of this little 
mother are the happiest imaginable. Nothing is too 
much trouble, for, as she confided to me, "This is the 
only time I shall ever be sure of them. The years with 
mother are very short. The world claims the children 
all too soon." 

LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY 

On February 12 the birthday of the great emanci- 
pator is celebrated in the public schools, and some 
years ago the authorities proclaimed it a national hol- 

[20] 



ENTERTAINING IN FEBRUARY 

iday. The hostess may adapt a number of pretty, 
significant symbols for a dinner or a luncheon on this 
day. 

The ''Stars and Stripes" are always eflfective used as 
a decorative scheme, and a chain of silver paper could 
encircle a little log cabin centerpiece with rail fence 
made of sticks of candy. A black china doll dressed 
like a pickaninny could hold the place card, and another 
appropriate centerpiece would be a toy truck loaded 
with bales of cotton. Write at the top of the place- 
card, "With malice toward none, with charity for all." 

IN MEMORY OF LINCOLN 

To grant the wishes of many readers I give this list 
of inexpensive books which are suitable for prizes or 
gifts for a Lincoln program and several subjects for 
short papers for the use of teachers who wish to have 
appropriate exercises for the children. 

STORY OR PAPER SUBJECTS 

"Stories of Lincoln's Boyhood." 

" Lincoln as a Young Man." 

"Lincoln as a Lawyer." 

"* Father Abraham,' Lincoln as President." 

BOOKS 

"Best Lincoln Stories Tersely Told," written by 
J. E. Gallaher. 

"The Perfect Tribute," by Andrews. 
"The Toy Shop," by Margherita S. Gerry. 
"He Knew Lincoln," by Ida M. Tarbell. < 

[21] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

For favors for such an affair write a choice sentence 
by Lincoln on a bit of paper, roll it up, and tie with red, 
white, and blue ribbon. The following are excellent 
sayings to use: 

"With malice toward none, with charity for all." 

"The leading rule for the man of every calling is 
diligence." 

"Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done 
today." 

"Whatever piece of business you have in hand, before 
stopping do all the labor pertaining to it which can be 
done." 

"I do the very best I know how, the very best I can, 
and I mean to keep doing so to the end." 

"I'm not bound to win, but I*m bound to be true." 

"I'm not bound to succeed, but I'm bound to live up 
to what life I have." 

"Do not worry; eat three square meals a day; say 
your prayers; keep your digestion good; exercise — 
go slow and easy; maybe there are other things which 
your special case requires to make you happy, but, my 
friend, these, I reckon, will give you a good lift." 

An interesting pastime for this occasion will be to 
make puzzles from pictures of Lincoln, the White House, 
and of his humble boyhood home. Post cards pasted 
on light wood or cardboard make excellent puzzles. 
Have one for each child, to be taken home when finished. 
At such an affair it would be fine to have a story-teller 
dressed as in the days of '61. Children love this sort 
of thing, and the stories, of that day are very instruct- 
ive and interesting. Log cabins are obtainable at candy 
shops or may be built of sticks of candy. Darky dolls 

[22] 



ENTERTAINING IN FEBRUARY 

may be used for favors also. On the envelopes or boxes 
containing the puzzles write the following: 

"If these parts you will fit together well, 
The name of this hero you'll surely tell." 

These sentiments are suitable for Lincoln's birthday 
or for the natal day of George Washington, on the 
twenty-second : 

Our Country 

To her we drink. 

For her we pray. 

Our voices silent never. 

For her we'll fight, come what may; 

The Stars and Stripes forever. 

Miss M. Spigel 

It's good to be merry and wise. 

It's good to be honest and true. 
It's good to support America's cause, 

And bide by the R^d, White, and Blue. 

Olivek Sheppard 

Our Flag 

We pledge allegiance to our flag; 

To it we will be true. 
We will defend it with our Uves, 

Our own Red, White, and Blue. 
The white, it stands for purity. 

For faith and truth the blue. 
The red for courage bold and strong; 

There's meaning in each hue. 

[23] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

Star-spangled Banner it is called; 

Sometimes Old Glory, too. 
Sometimes the Banner of the Free, 

Our own Red, White, and Blue. 

Florence Bates 

The Yankee Girl 

Here's to the maiden of my dreams, 

Whose tender eyes meet mine. 
With the shy, sweet glance of an old romance, 

While her cheeks blush red as wine. 

Who can dance, or cook, or sew, or sing, 
Who needs no French maid to dress her. 

The Yankee queen who's fit for a king. 
To my girl of girls — God bless her! 

Helen A. Mulhall 

The lily of France may fade, 

The thistle and shamrock wither. 

The oak of England may decay. 
But the Stars shine on forever. 

E. Holmes 

CHILDREN'S PARTY FOR ST. VALENTINE'S DAY 

The postman certainly divides the honors with good 
old St. Valentine. I really believe our faithful gray- 
uniformed friend is the most looked-for man on the 
fourteenth, and wo betide him if his bag is not well 
filled with Cupid's missives. With this in mind you 
must hear of a pretty party planned for three Httle 
children and their twenty guests, aged from seven to ten. 

[24] 



ENTERTAINING IN FEBRUARY 

A post-office was erected in the large hall from clothes 
bars covered with dark green cambric on which quan- 
tities of red hearts were pasted. A window was placed 
in the opening and a table behind for the sorting of the 
mail. A mail bag hung on the outside, and there was 
a slit below the window to permit the children to drop 
their valentines in. Each child brought one and the 
hostess provided the others, so that each child received 
at least three. A sign ''office closed" was over the 
window at first. After all had arrived and were ready 
for the distribution of the mail this was changed to 
''office open." United States mail uniforms may be 
purchased at the large department stores and the 
postmaster might wear one, just to add fun. 

Here is a new version of an old game called "blind 
postman," which was played at this party: Count out 
and choose a child for postman, then let each child 
select the name of a city and a chair in the circle. The 
postman, blindfolded, stands in the mid(i^ and says: 
"A letter has been sent from New York to Chicago." 
Then those two children change places and during the 
change the postman tries to get the vacant chair. Tiny 
mail bags filled with candy hearts were the favors at 
this party. 

VERSES FOR VALENTINE GIFTS 

These verses will just suit some one, I am sure, for 
the custom of sending gifts as valentines is quite preva- 
lent. I have had them pigeonholed and do not know 
who wrote them, but I am sure whoever it was will be 
glad to have them passed on. 

[25] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

To go with a heart-shaped frame : 

Within this frame, in my behalf, 

Insert the sweetest photograph 

For which a maiden ever sat. 

And guess whose heart looks just like that. 

To go with a sewing outfit: 

Here is Cupid's haversack! 
What's within the leathern pack? 
Scissors sharper than his darts. 
Thread for mending damaged hearts. 

To go with a candlestick or a box of bayberry candles: 

Make light every night 
Of the gift that I tender, 

But never make light 
Of the love of the sender. 

With a heart-shaped pincushion: 

Behold my heart, dear Valentine, 
A target set for Love's divine 
Unerring bow; for every pin 
Is Cupid's arrow shot within! 

To send with flowers (lilies of the valley) : 

Earth's valentines, so fresh and fair of hue. 

The buds her valleys bring 

To woo reluctant spring, 
I bring to one more sweet than spring — to you. 
[26] 



ENTERTAINING IN FEBRUARY 

With a rattle for the baby : 

I'm a rattle, bright and fine, 
Sent for baby's valentine. 
Take me, shake me, chubby hand ! 
Call the elves from fairy land ! 

Send with a silver bonbon box: 

Suppose I fill this graven silver heart 

With sugar-candy hearts that beat as mine? 

They could not tell the hundred thousandth part 
Of all my love for you, sweet Valentine. 

To go with a belt buckle or pin : 

'Tis folly, sure, to mope and grieve 
And wear the heart upon the sleeve. 
Oh, let my heart be rather placed 
Upon the belt about her waist! 

With a bit of jewelry: 

To gild refined gold or paint the lily, 

So Shakespeare tells us, looks extremely silly; 

But yet the mighty poet holds it meet 

To tender sweets as tribute to the sweet; 

And thus I deem he would approve of them 

That proffer gems or jewels to a gem. 

To write in or send with a book: 

Oh, place this book upon the shelf! 
I'll tell a finer tale myself. 
With work and faith and love therein, 
And you shall be the heroine. 

[27] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

THE FIRST AMERICAN VALENTINE 

It is of interest to know that a young woman of 
Worcester, Mass., invented the first American valentine 
in the year 1856. Her business of manufacturing these 
dainty trifles became so enormous that one firm alone 
ordered over twenty-five thousand dollars' worth of 
valentines annually. Before this, Germany had sent 
us our supply for the celebrating of this pretty festival. 

An invitation to an affair at which "post-oflSce" is to 
be a feature of the evening may bear this little verse 
on a card decorated with tiny gilt hearts: 

"Cupid will distribute letters 
On St. Valentine's night; 
Love has bound you in his fetters, 
Come and loose the seal that night.'* 

The valentine cake baked in a large heart-shaped 
mold should contain four prophetic gifts, viz., a ring for 
the one to be married first, a coin for the future million- 
aire, a tiny horseshoe, emblem of good luck, and a 
thimble for the one fated to single blessedness. Place 
cards may be envelopes containing pretty valentines, 
and a good game to play is made by cutting hearts into 
puzzles. Have tables and partners, and the couple who 
get their hearts (one each) together first progress. 
Play once around, award prizes, such as a heart-shaped 
tray or pincushion, a heart bearing a tiny thermometer, 
or a heart-shaped sachet. 



[28] 



ENTERTAINING IN FEBRUARY 

A VALENTINE PARTY 

Love has no time nor seasons, so they say, but the 
fourteenth of February and Cupid are a pretty strong 
combination. All this makes me think of how one girl 
managed a successful Valentine party. She arranged 
just as many cozy nooks as she was to have couples. 
Over each one red hearts were suspended. Partners 
were chosen by matching posies from a basket, which 
also bore numbers to correspond with the number on 
the heart over the cozy retreat. When mates were 
found they repaired to their corner and each girl was to 
make a proposal and be accepted or rejected. At the 
expiration of an allotted time the girl progressed to 
the next corner. x\t the end the girl who had received 
the most acceptances had the privilege of choosing her 
partner first for refreshments. One can just imagine 
all the fun. The cakes, cream, and sandwiches were all 
heart-shaped. 

A VALENTINE ANNOUNCEMENT 

A CHARMING maiden who had yielded to Cupid's 
earnest pleading announced the fact to her friends in 
this pretty way: On St. Valentine's Day eight of her 
nearest and dearest girl chums were bidden to a 
luncheon. The table was done in pure white, the 
centerpiece of bride roses, the candles white with white 
silken shades. At each plate there was a pink brides- 
maid rose, except at that of the hostess, where a pure 
bride rose told the story. The place cards represented 
brides, the face being a photograph of the real bride. 
The favors were white suede card cases containing the 

[29] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

cards of the happy girl and the lucky man. Can you 
imagine anything sweeter? 

For the evening the girl's mother issued cards for a 
dance to which all the gay circle of young people were 
asked, and the cotillon favors were symbolic of the good 
patron saint who presides untiringly over affaires de 
ccBur. There were necklaces and fobs of tiny silver 
and gilt hearts. Hearts were represented in fans, cups, 
aprons, and cushions. One figure was especially attract- 
ive : Red fencing hearts for the girls, bows and arrows 
for the men. The ices and cakes were hearts, with a 
plentiful supply of gilt Cupids with arrows. 

A PATRIOTIC RAG PARTY 

A YOUNG hostess mystified her friends by issuing the 
following invitation : 

"Ye are cordially invited to come to an old-fashioned 
rag cutting and sewing bee at ye home of Mistress Polly 
Blank on ye evening of Saturday, February the eleventh. 

*'Put ye apron and ye scissors in ye reticule, come at 
early candle light, ye good man to come to supper at 
ye hour of seven thirty. Lanterns at ye hour of ten." 

When asked how she happened to think of this plan, 
she replied: **Well, you know all those red and blue 
rags mother sent me for rugs? I just concluded to tear 
up some old sheets for white and get the girls to sew 
and cut until I had enough." 

The decorations were colonial quilts put up on the 
walls and over the couches and large chairs. Candles 
were used for lighting. The men were asked for tea. 
A game of cards followed with a Pilgrim rag rug for a 
prize. 

[30] 



ENTERTAINING IN FEBRUARY 
Here is the menu that was served at six o'clock: 

COLD HAM. ROLLS 

BOSTON BAKED BEANS. BROWN BREAD 

COLD PRESSED CHICKEN. RELISH 

OLD-FASHIONED COTTAGE CHEESE 

BAKED APPLES 

CRULLERS. GINGERBREAD 

COFFEE 

FRUIT. NUTS 

COLONIAL RECEPTION 

The afternoon of February the twenty-second is a 
most admirable time to give a colonial reception. Re- 
quest each lady to come with powdered hair, plain gown, 
and kerchief, also to wear anything in her possession that 
is really old-fashioned or that has an interesting history. 

Have some one give a sketch of Mount Vernon, and 
if you can procure small unmoimted photos of ** Mount 
Vernon" paste them on the cardboard hatchets, which 
will be either place cards or souvenirs. Tie a bow on 
them of narrow red, white, and blue ribbon, which comes 
woven together. 

Red, white, and blue "opera" sticks tied together 
with the ribbon and placed on end on the table add 
greatly to the color scheme. At this season of the year 
you can buy candy or almond boxes shaped like tiny 
cocked hats, drums, bayonets, tents, cannon, and all sorts 
of novelties suggestive of the Father of his Coimtry. 

For the table centerpiece have a small tree loaded 
with artificial cherries. For cakes you can make very 
realistic hatchets by cutting out a pasteboard model, 

[31] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

laying it on cooky dough, and cutting out with a sharp 
knife; ornament with a candied cherry. 

Tiny metal hatchets can be purchased and the place 
card may be attached with the announcement that 
"This is a facsimile of the original hatchet." Ice-cream 
or charlotte russe could be served in a cocked hat or 
cannon box, and would add much to the novelty of 
the table. For salad use cherries stuffed with a hazel 
nut, white grapes seeded and a candied cherry inserted, 
cubes of pineapple and a few slices of orange. Serve 
with mayonnaise on white hearts of lettuce. 

Coffee, chocolate, and sandwiches cut in roimds will 
make a delicious repast, and these are ample for an 
afternoon affair. 

If possible use either colonial glass or brass candle- 
sticks and have the rooms lighted with candles and 
lamps. Blue bowls filled with red and white carnations 
are appropriate decorations. No other colors should 
be used on this day. 

INVITATION FOR A WASHINGTON CARD PARTY 

For invitations for a Washington card party use a 
card or sheet of paper decorated with the likeness of 
Washington or a picture of Mount Vernon. Write the 
following : 

Come ye dames of highest station, 
Come ye maidens young and fair, 

Lend your beauty. 

Lend your graces. 

Flashing eyes, 

Bepowdered hair. 
[32] 



ENTERTAINING IN FEBRUARY 

Lend your wit, your smiles, your laughter, 

Beauty spots and 

Dimples rare; 

Tis the Nation's 

Father's birthday, 
Patriots, dames and maids, be there. 

This is especially suited to a club or Masonic card 
party. The words could be printed on a Washington 
post card or on buff stationery, using blue ink. Seal 
with the United States shield. If desirable, the guests 
might be asked to come in costume. Have tally cards 
to represent big red cherries and use stars for the keeping 
of the score. Decorate with flags, and for the table 
from which refreshments are served have a small tree 
just laden with artificial cherries. If practical, make a 
gash in the tree and slip in a small metal hatchet. 
Serve cherry ice, and if a salad is wished, serve it in 
cocked hats. 

FANCY DRESS PARTY ON THE "TWENTY- 
SECOND" 

It seems that the immortal Father of his Country 
is in no danger of being forgotten. Never before have 
the novelties been so alluring. The cherry candle shades 
are especially attractive, with nut holders, bonbon 
boxes, and plate cards carried out in the cherry scheme, 
making a beautiful table. Hatchets may be used for 
score cards if cards are to be played after the feast. 

At a fancy dress party the hostess may represent Miss 
Columbia and the host Uncle Sam. The guests should 
be asked to dress in patriotic costumes and to repre- 

[33] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

sent the name of a president, or his nickname, by some 
symbol. For instance, a picture of a canoe out of 
which the occupants are tumbling would be Tippecanoe 
(Harrison); a chain made of paper links would be 
Lincoln; a Teddy bear would indicate Roosevelt, etc. 
These questions about the ladies of the White House 
wdll prove interesting: 

WTiat first lady of the land fled from Washington to 
escape the British? (Dolly Madison.) 

Wliat was Mrs. Lincoln's name before marriage? 
(Miss Mary Todd.) 

Name three early presidents who married mdows. 
(Washington, Jefferson, and Madison.) 

What early president married a New York girl? 
(Monroe.) 

^Vhom did John Q. Adams marry? (Louise K. 
Johnson of Maryland.) 

WTiat president had a troubled love affair and 
marriage? (Jackson.) 

What early president besides Washington married a 
widow called Martha? (Jefferson.) 

A red and white carnation tied with a blue ribbon 
may be pinned on each guest as he or she leaves the 
dressing-room. A tiny maiden dressed as Martha 
Washington, holding her posies in a quaint basket with 
streamers of red, white, and blue, would add interest 
to the occasion. 

A PATRIOTIC LUNCHEON 

Nowadays the florists keep right up wi\h the times, 
and decorations in the national colors are not hard to 
find. \\Tien real flowers are not obtainable, the tissue 

[34] 



ENTERTAINING IN FEBRUARY 

paper artist furnishes us wdth such reahstic imitations 
and such charming papers with napkins for each special 
day that they may be used with pleasure at church 
and club affairs and perhaps for very large home parties 
where little children are the guests. 

For the luncheon table red and white sweet peas with 
blue corn flowers make an attractive centerpiece, rest- 
ing in a drum obtained in the toy department. In a 
family where there are boys a drum with a hole in the 
head may perhaps be found. If so, it is just what 
"mother" needs for the occasion. Cocked hats should 
hold the salted almonds, and tiny hatchets may bear 
the guests' names, a wee bunch of cherries being tied to 
the handle. 

I give a menu, also a recipe for a red fruit punch, 
which may be served during the game of cards if they 
should be the afternoon's amusement. 

ICED CHERRIES 

ROLLED SANDWICHES. SALMON CROQUETTES 

MASHED POTATOES (bluC platCs) 

stuffed olives 

tomato aspic with shrimp salad 

crace:ers. raspberry ice 

FLAG CAKE (white platcs) 

RED FRUIT PUNCH 

The flag cake is made by having three layers, one red, 
one white, one blue. Use a white icing, color part with 
red and a wee bit with blue, and make the stars of white. 
These colorings may be obtained at the drug store and 
are perfectly harmless. 

Red fruit punch, called on this occasion patriotic 

[35] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

punch, is made by taking the contents of one can of 
grated pineapple, juice of six lemons, six oranges, and 
two grape fruits. Add two quarts of water and sugar 
to taste and let stand several hours or over night. 
Strain, color red, put in a pitcher with pieces of ice, and 
add a quart of charged water. 

PARTY FOR CHILDREN ON THE TWENTY- 
SECOND 

For a children's Washington party decorate the 
room prettily with flags and pictures of Washington and 
Mount Vernon. Have a paper hatchet in which there 
is a pin for each child. Blindfold each child, one at a 
time, and have him pin the hatchet on the nose of 
Washington. A large cheap print may be obtained 
for this purpose. This will make lots of fun. Award 
a cherry log cabin box filled with candied cherries. 

Then have these riddles; children just love to guess 
them. 

What holds all the snuff in the world .'^ No one 
knows (nose). 

What makes a man baldheaded.f^ Want of hair. 

Why is it impossible for a bareheaded boy to cut 
down a cherry tree? Because he hasn't a hat yet 
(hatchet). 

In what age do we find the happiest men.'^ Marriage. 

To what island should women be banished? Isle of 
Man. 

What is the name of the most popular ship in the 
world? Courtship. 

Where is a good place for a hungry man? Sandwich 
Islands. 

[36] 



ENTERTAINING IN FEBRUARY 

Where should a person go to find happiness? To the 
dictionary. 

What would you do if you were caught with a stolen 
watch? Give it up. 

A COLONIAL FAIR 

Decorate with flags and with yellow and blue or, as 
it was called in the old days, "buff." Have the boys in 
Continental uniform to take tickets in the entry and 
act as messengers if needed. Have the assistants wear 
eighteenth century costumes, and suspend a huge 
" Liberty " bell in a conspicuous place. Have if possible 
thirteen booths to commemorate the thirteen original 
States. *' Virginia" may be presided over by the ever 
popular "George and Martha," and may dispense 
New York ice-cream (frozen custard), which was the 
favorite dessert of our fathers. Colonial dames should 
take charge of "Maryland" and sell dainty needlework. 
Allot flowers and fruits to " Delaware." " New Jersey " 
may have the candy kitchen, in charge of attractive 
little Dutch maidens. 

Of course the Quakers will have "Pennsylvania" 
and should dispense practical household necessities, 
such as aprons, quilts, and knitted articles. Give 
New York apples for decoration and Indian things 
presided over by Indian maids. Perhaps a review of 
the "Leather Stocking Tales" will assist in getting up 
these dresses. "Massachusetts" will have the worthy 
"Pilgrim" mothers and a few of the fathers if they can 
be induced to lend their aid in this manner. Priscilla 
and Mary (Chilton) serve tea. Then Connecticut 
must have a booth, perhaps of wooden ware, and thus 

[37] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

be typical of the "Nutmeg" State. Rhode Island 
should have all the baby articles, as it is the littlest one 
of all. Have a loan collection for New Hampshire, and 
for Georgia you must have a negro cabin with a real 
black mammy in charge. Have her make and sell hot 
waffles, served with maple syrup. The Carolinas may 
be left for whatever the committees deem best. 

Those participating may be glad of these names 
from which to select, using their own last names: 
Penelope, Honor, Hepzibah, Prudence, Ophelia, Faith, 
Malvina, Mercy, Perseverance, Content, Deliverance, 
Remembrance, Comfort, Hope, Patience, Love, Hu- 
mility, Priscilla, Roxana, Charity, and Delight, the men 
being equally favored, as Ichabod, Repentance, Ben- 
ajah. Elected, Faithful, Paletiah, Thankful, Increase, 
Fear, Abijah, Abimelech, Ebenezer, Hezekiah, Philan- 
der, Peleg, Josias, Erastus, Solomon, Ezekiel, and 
Jonathan. 

CARD PARTY FOR THE TWENTY-SECOND 

Military Euchre 

Sets may be purchased, which consist of large flag- 
poles with holes in them to hold the little flags. It is, 
however, quite possible to make your own. In this 
case a fort may be made for each table with a dish or a 
small bright tin pan filled with sand. Each fort is 
named instead of the table being numbered, and the 
tally cards have on them the names of the forts, four 
or six bearing the same name. This, of course, will 
depend upon whether the game is four or six-handed 
euchre. 

[38] 



ENTERTAINING IN FEBRUARY 

The tally cards are drawn and when the players find 
their forts they "cut" to see which two or three shall 
hold the fort. Then it does not matter who wins, the 
two or three drawing the lot to progress must go on 
until they again reach their own fort when they are 
permitted to hold it and the original holders progress. 

The winners of the game at each table are given a 
small flag which they carry back and plant on their 
own fort. When the games are finished, the fort having 
the most flags wins, so four or six prizes must be pro- 
vided, one for each player at that particular fort. The 
military colors and idea should be carried out as far as 
possible in the refreshments and whatever decorations 
may be used. Red, white, and blue are not diflScult 
colors to obtain in anything but flowers, where the blue 
fails if neither corn flowers nor forget-me-nots are 
obtainable. Crepe paper or ribbon may help out. 

Ice-cream may be served in balls piled up to represent 
cannon balls, with a tiny silk flag waving from the top 
of each ball. 

FOR LONGFELLOW'S BIRTHDAY 

The twenty-seventh is the natal day of one of our 
most beloved American poets and for those who wish 
to entertain on that day the following suggestions may 
be of assistance. For souvenirs take white or gray 
cards, moimt a picture of Longfellow or his home in 
Cambridge, and write a suitable quotation. 

Then have a series of Uving pictures. A delightful 
selection may be made from the "Hanging of the 
Crane," each picture illustrated to be accompanied by 
the readmg. "The Rainy Day," "Children's Home," 

[39] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

"Voices of the Night," "The Black Knight, " and groups 
from the ''Spanish Student " are all effective subjects. 

For music there is the "Arrow and the Song," "The 
Day is Done," "The Bridge," and the "Lost Chord." 

Have a twenty-minute sketch of the poet, and if 
possible procure Longfellow post cards for the invita- 
tions. 

Serve individual dishes of Boston baked beans and 
brown bread, doughnuts, and coffee. These are typical 
New England refreshments. 



[40] 



ENTERTAINING IN MARCH 



ENTERTAINING IN MARCH 

A MARCH FIRST PARTY 

F any one has a party in mind for the 
first, the following suggestions may 
prove helpful. We have all heard 
the saying, "mad as a March hare, " 
and we also know that March has an 
unsavory reputation for blustering 
winds which turn everything topsy- 
turvy. So plan this most unusual party by putting 
these lines at the top of your invitation: 
The Hatter and the Dormouse are, as usual, drinking 

tea. 
The March Hare, mad as ever, is inviting you to be 
A member of a chosen few to celebrate with hearty 
And enthusiastic lunacy that noted "Mad Teaparty." 




Follow by the date, day and hour, with name and 
address. 

To make more fun, you might say: "Come in the 
most grotesque costume possible." 

Have the dining-room table set in a topsyturvy way 
with a cunning "Mr. Benjamin Bunny" for the center- 
piece, a cocked hat askew on top of his head. Have 
little black pasteboard hats with yellow bands to hold 
the salted almonds and use all the spring flowers such 

[43] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

as dafiFodils, crocus, tulips, and hyacinths in individual 
crystal flower holders for decorations. Have the cups, 
saucers, plates, napkins, and flat silver in a jumbled 
mass on sideboard and table. Tell the guests to select 
what they need, find their places by means of yellow, 
rabbit-shaped cards, rescue a chair, and be seated at 
the table. It will add to the merriment to have it 
a progressive teaparty, each guest moving into her 
next neighbor's seat. Ask eight guests and have five 
courses. If cards are played afterwards, have the losers 
progress, and award the prize to the one having the 
lowest score. A copy of *' Alice in Wonderland" would 
be an appropriate prize. We never outgrow this 
charming tale. A famous New York business man 
once told me it was his constant solace and joy. 

A MARCH HARE PARTY 

The well-known verse from Bryant's poem called 
" March " headed the invitation which bade eight guests 
to a revel conducted by the ''Mad March Hares." 

The stormy March is come at last. 

The wind and cloud and changing skies; 

I hear the* rushing of the blast 

That through the snowy valley flies. 

It was a cheery sight, indeed, to see the attractive 
table, with eight saucy brown hares made by the clever 
fingers of the hostess from cardboard, one standing 
erect at each plate. Appropriate, too, was the color 
scheme of brown and green with jonquils. At each 
end of the table was a chafing-dish, presided over by 
the hostess and her sister. First rabbit bouillon was 

[U] 



ENTERTAINING IN MARCH 

served in cups, then "little pigs in blankets," which 
were plump oysters sauteed in thin strips of bacon. 
Corn muffins appeared at just the right moment, hav- 
ing been made in the kitchen. The piece de resistance 
was a deUcious Welsh rarebit. Coffee was served 
with cheese and toasted crackers. There were no 
sweets. Olives, salted nuts, and crisp celery hearts 
were on the table in relish dishes. For luck, each guest 
was given a rabbit's foot, warranted to be the left 
hind one cut from a jack-rabbit caught in a grave- 
yard on the thirteenth day of the month in the 
dark of the moon. Every one had a glorious time. 
The saying, "mad as a March hare," was certainly 
a misnomer on this occasion. 

A VIOLET PARTY FOR GRANDMOTHER 

The violet is the flower appropriate to this month 
and it would be lovely to have a bunch for each guest. 
For other decorations, any of the spring blossoms, 
arranged either in pots or in flower holders, may be 
used in this way. The guests may be asked to bring 
their work and to tell stories of their grandchildren, 
it being taken for granted that all grandmother's 
guests possess these wonderful adjuncts to eternal 
youth, and where is the grandmother who does not 
live over her own and her children's lives in the wee 
ones who bring back the by-gone days.^ 

As most women — even grandmothers — play cards 
nowadays, several rubbers, with perhaps favors for 
all and no prizes, may be arranged for the afternoon. 
This pretty verse may be used for either place cards or 
invitations: 

[45] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

In March the earliest bluebird came 
And caroled from the orchard tree 
His little tremulous songs to me. 
He called upon the summer's name 
And made old summers in my heart 
All sweet with flower and sim again. 

William Dean Howells. 

LENTEN PARTIES 

WriH the advent of Lent, society is supposed to 
take a much needed rest, but in reahty the hostess 
does just about as much entertaining, only the nature 
of the functions changes from large affairs to "small 
and earlies.'' 

Here is a suggestion for a sewing circle, and an after- 
noon could be spent most pleasantly at this "bag 
party." 

Ask each guest to bring enough pretty cretonne or 
art ticking to make a bag twelve inches long by twelve 
inches wide when finished. 

In each bag put a sharpened pencil, a pad of paper, 
half a dozen envelopes stamped, six postals, a half 
dozen plain, laundered handkerchiefs, and a bottle of 
cologne. Give these bags to the matrons of hospitals 
to be distributed to patients who are unable to provide 
such comforts. 

A patient in a ward passes many a lonely hour, and 
these bags will afford untold pleasure. 

Making a "comfort" powder box is another scheme 
which will afford fascination work for a "Lenten" 
circle. Get the regulation powder boxes and white 
squares of paper at a drug store. Then write a num- 

[46] 



ENTERTAINING IN MARCH 

ber of pretty, helpful quotations on these white slips, 
fold like powders, and fill the boxes. On the outside 
mark: "Take one at breakfast time." These will be 
greatly appreciated by "shut-ins" and by the occu- 
pants of the various "homes" and institutions. 

CHARITY CARD PARTIES FOR LENT 

A NEW idea for progressive card parties given for 
charity is to give prizes of potted plants and keep the 
score with flowers, either carnations, roses, or some 
blossom that does not wilt quickly. Invitations are 
sent for a "floral progressive card party" on cards cut 
in the shape of a flower. Jonquils, tulips, marguerites, 
and roses lend themselves admirably to this plan. To 
the winners pass vases containing the score flowers. 
At the finish every one will possess at least one or more 
of the fragrant reminders of their good or bad luck. 
The ice-cream may be molded in floral shapes and the 
small cakes ornamented swith candy roses. Crystal- 
lized violets and rose leaves may be mixed with the 
bonbons. Each guest is supposed to contribute 
twenty-five or fifty cents, whichever sum is agreed 
upon, to the charity for which the party is given. 

It is a pretty idea to donate the flowers won to 
hospitals or send them to individuals who are ill. One 
way to conduct these parties, which are always large 
affairs, is to have a potted plant the admission. 

LENTEN SUGGESTION 

During the weeks of Lent it might be a new thought 
to some to adopt the plan of a charming young hostess 
who says she always endeavors to change the character 

[47] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

of her entertaining during Lent. She seeks out those 
from whom she can expect no return, those who are 
lonely, often neglected; those for whom life is a solid 
grind, with little or no variety. 

For instance, the stenographer in her husband's office 
will receive two tickets to the matinee with a note 
saying that two seats have been reserved at a down- 
town tearoom for such an hour, and the note says: 

'* Please ask the one you want to enjoy this after- 
noon with you." 

A charity kindergarten will be the object of her 
sweet Lenten thoughts and a couple of dear old ladies 
will be her guests to view her treasures collected in 
foreign lands. 

In this way happiness and joy are brought to those 
who least expect it. Whether one believes that keep- 
ing this season is part of a religious duty or not, it can- 
not fail to be of benefit to every one to take up some 
special work at this time, such as a course of standard 
reading, lessons in language, or charitable sewing. By 
a little careful thought it is very easy to find deeds to 
do very close at hand. Suppose all card clubs aban- 
doned prizes and devoted that money to sending flowers 
to a poor, sick person, equipping a necessity bag for 
a mother with a baby, or sending an automobile to 
take some shut-in to ride. Suppose some one gave 
up the matinee for this period, devoting the money to 
some worthy cause. If we all practised this for forty 
days how many barren spots would be made to smile 
and blossom as the rose ! Lent need not be a time for 
repression, but rather an abundant expression of the 
best that lies within us. 

[48] 



ENTERTAINING IN MARCH 

LENTEN LUNCHEON MENU 

Have jonquils in a green jar for the centerpiece and 
serve first oranges or grape fruit mixed with cubes of 
pineapple in a half of a small grape fruit or orange. 
Next may come cream of corn soup with grated yolk 
of hard-boiled egg over the top; then egg cutlets with 
wax beans and potato croquettes, and pineapple salad 
with cheese crackers. A delicious Spanish cream with 
sunshine cake may furnish the last course. Yellow 
and white bonbons with yellow tomato preserves and 
salted almonds make up the accessories. If possible 
use white and gold china. 

FOR "MOTHERING" SUNDAY 

Do not forget that the fourth Sunday in Lent brings 
to us what is known in England as ''Mothering" Sim- 
day. It is a day devoted especially to honoring in 
the best way possible our dear mothers. In olden 
times the day was celebrated by all the children going 
home, where a delicious dinner, composed of dishes 
especially liked by the honored guests, was served. 
After the repast, heart to heart talks were indulged in 
and family plans and matters were discussed. 

Gifts were made to the dear household saint, and it 
was a time long to be remembered. The father was 
not forgotten, but was taken a bottle of choice wine 
or a brand of his favorite smoking tobacco. If we 
cannot all go to our mothers, we can at least send a 
loving letter and perhaps inclose a check for her to 
use as she deems best. 

If our mothers are not still with us we may do some- 

[491 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

thing for somebody's mother, or at least see that the 
day is made brighter and happier for the fact that we 
have remembered '* Mothering" Sunday. 

There has been a movement to take another day to 
celebrate in honor of our mothers, but it seems as if 
we could all be broad enough to accept the one that 
history and tradition give us and so unite on the mid- 
Sunday in Lent. 

THE STORY CHAIN 

Here is an admirable way to earn money during 
Lent. Form a chain of ten congenial women. In 
alphabetical order each one is hostess. The ten are 
bound to go to each meeting or send a substitute, and 
the hostess may ask two guests. A good short story 
is to be read aloud, which will not take more than an 
hour and a half to read (it must consume an hour). 
The others may bring their work and there may be 
music at the discretion of the hostess. Tea is served 
with sandwiches or small cakes, and a fee of twenty- 
five cents is paid by each one present. By the time 
the ten hostesses have entertained there will have been 
ten good stories heard and a goodly sum collected with- 
out hard work. Let us see how many story chains 
will be started. 

A LENTEN "MARKED DOWN" PARTY 

A YOUNG woman's society could have a lot of fun 
out of this "marked down" party. Word the invita- 
tions like this, writing them on cards, and have placards 
to advertise it in the windows of the main business 
street stores: "The Young People's Society of the 

[50] 



ENTERTAINING IN MARCH 

Blank Street Church invites you to a * marked down' 
party in the church parlors on Wednesday evening, 
March the sixth. Admission only to those who come 
with their names marked down on a card attached to 
coat or gown. All members of the society are requested 
to be present, that a check may be marked down 
opposite each name at roll-call. Please mark down 
this date on your social calendar and bring a pencil." 

At the door have two boxes, one for men and one for 
women, in which are price tags with pink string loops 
attached, to be slipped over the button of each arrival. 
On the tags have the price marked in black ink crossed 
off with a "marked down" price in red ink as the 
department stores do. With these duplicate price tags 
partners are found for a five-minute conversation. 

The following rules may be posted in a conspicuous 
place: 

See that some one else has a good time; then you 
will be sure to enjoy yourself. 

Find your first partner by the price in black ink on 
your tag. 

Change partners when the signal is given, and find 
your second partner by a corresponding ** marked 
down " price in red ink. 

Then for diversion have a guessing contest as to 
the contents of mysterious packages, and pass slips 
on which the guesses are to be marked down. Here 
are a few suggestions for the packages: 

A most useful article, although it is always back- 
ward in showing the result of its work. (A blotter.) 

Something that may travel all over the coimtry 
for two cents. (Postage stamp.) 

[51] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

It is usually ahead of time and, although often 
behind-hand, is yet always relied upon. (A calendar.) 

Extracts from many pens. (A penwiper.) 

It has a snippy disposition. (Pair of scissors.) 

A study in oil. (Box of sardines.) 

An article which ought to throw light on any subject. 
(A match.) 

When all have guessed and the key has been read, 
the contents of the parcels may be awarded to those 
guessing correctly or the nearest. Much fun may be 
had in serving refreshments. This may be done in 
the cafeteria style with prices "marked down." 

LENTEN WORK 

During the season of Lent it is an excellent plan 
to form "circles" for special work. One may be 
entirely of children from the ages of seven to twelve. 
They may meet at a private house, where there are 
several grown-ups to help and guide, and make per- 
fectly charming scrapbooks which go to hospitals, to 
the Indians, and to the mountain whites in North 
Carolina. These youngsters, with some help of 
course, get ready for a bazaar which is held Easter 
week and from which they realize a goodly sum for 
missions or whatever charity is chosen. Another plan 
is to form a doll brigade which gets and dresses 
dolhes for a children's hospital. 

DOLLAR PARTIES DURING LENT 

Dollar parties are quite popular schemes for raising 
money during Lent. Each lady is pledged to make 
one dollar, and the week before Easter there will be 

[52] 



ENTERTAINING IN MARCH 

"experience" parties to tell how the one hundred cents 
were produced and to deposit the money with the 
various treasurers. 

Nearly every woman you meet is for the time being 
a *' captain of finance," and there are many ingenious 
plans for raising the almighty dollar. One young miss 
said she never realized before how large a sum one 
dollar was and how much easier it was to spend than 
to make it. 

GOOD FRIDAY "HOT CROSS" BUNS 

Once a year we may have the famous '*hot cross" 
bims on our table. In England the venders go about 
calling, "One a penny, two a penny, 'hot cross' bims!" 
The recipe is appended: 

"Hot Cross" Buns. — Mix well one pint of luke- 
warm milk with two ounces of yeast and the yolk of 
one large egg. Add two pounds of flour and knead to 
a dough. Set the basin in a warm place, cover it with 
a cloth, and let the dough rise for from one and a half 
to two hours. Now add a half ounce of mixed spice, 
three ounces each of currants and sultanas, and, if 
liked, a very tiny pinch of nutmeg. Shape the mixture 
into buns and place them on buttered tins to rise for 
half an hour. This done, brush them over lightly with 
milk. Make a cross on them with the back of a knife 
and bake in a quick oven from fifteen to twenty minutes. 

Good Friday Pudding. — One and one half cups of 
bread crumbs and the same quantity of chopped apples, 
one cup of raisins, and three eggs. Put in buttered 
dish and steam one and one half hours. Serve with 
warm sauce flavored with lemon and brandy. 

[53] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY LUNCHEON 

The hostess who gave this affair followed, as far as 
she could, real old Irish customs. She confined the 
decorations to the dining-room. Over the doors and 
windows she hung large crosses made from straw and 
flowers — in olden times they were hung from the 
doorposts. Then she draped green cheese-cloth over 
the windows and made a frieze of it all around the 
room combining it with the Irish flag. Over the 
dining-room table was a large stuffed rooster or cock, 
for this bird is sacrificed on every seventeenth of March 
in memory of St. Patrick. Tradition says it must be 
a black cock. The china was white with green bands, 
the candles in glass holders were green with green and 
white shades, and the centerpiece was a gilded harp 
in imitation of the one "that once through Tara's 
halls." At each place were tiny green pots containing 
growing shamrocks (oxalis in this case). On each 
place card was tied a wee clay pipe, and anecdotes or 
genuine Irish riddles and jokes were written on them. 
I give a few for the benefit of other hostesses : 

Dennis said his wife was very ungrateful when the 
priest remonstrated with him upon his failure to provide 
for her. "Shure, Father, she hadn't a rag to her back 
when I married her, and now she is covered with them." 

He was an Irish soldier just returned from foreign 
service, and they asked him if he had met with much 
hospitaUty abroad. "HospitaHty, did you say? Sure, 
I was in the hospital nearly all the time." 

What is the greatest miracle ever worked in Ireland? 
Waking the dead. 

[54] 



ENTERTAINING IN MARCH 

WTiat is the diflFerence between an Irish CathoHc 
priest and a Baptist clergyman? One uses wax candles, 
the other — dips. 

An Irishman wrote home to his friends over the 
briny deep that in this country everybody was so 
honest that a reward had to be offered for thieves. 

Tea was served with four whole cloves, two green 
mint cherries, and a tiny lump of green rock candy in 
each cup. This gave a really delicious flavor and was 
a distinct novelty befitting the occasion. 

The salad was of hard-boiled eggs cut to represent 
a daisy and served in a bed of water cress and white 
lettuce hearts. The soup was cream of corn with 
finely chopped parsley sprinkled over the top. 

QUOTATIONS FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY 

Here's to the land of the shamrock so green. 
Here's to each lad and his fair sweet colleen. 
Here's to the ones we love dearest and most, 
And may God save old Ireland — that's an Irishman's 

t^^t- Ada Lewis. 

To THE Shamrock 

My country's flower, I love it well. 

For every leaf a tale can tell 

And teach the minstrel's heart to swell 

In praise of Ireland's shamrock; 
The emblem of our faith di^dne 
WTiich blest St. Patrick made to shine, 
To teach eternal truth sublime, 
And which shall last as long as time. 

And long as blooms the shamrock. 

(Oscar Wilde) T. B. Harron. 

[55] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

OuLD Ireland 

Pat may be foolish and sometimes very wrong, 

Pat has a temper, which doesn't last very long; 

Pat's full of jollity, that everybody knows, 

But you'll never find a coward where the shamrock 

^ * Elizabeth Berry. 

Ireland 

The country that gave St. Patrick, the birthplace 
of wit, and hospitality's home — dear ould Ireland. 

HIBERNIAN PUNCH 

Make a strong lemonade, then add one pint of lime 
juice, which can be purchased by the bottle if fresh 
fruit is not at hand; juice of six oranges and two 
grape fruits or shaddocks; arrange a wreath of mint 
foliage above a crystal bowl and fill with crushed ice; 
then turn in the fruit juices; the ice melting will dilute 
it plentifully. Add one bottle of mint cherries drained 
from the juice. 

FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY 

Now the first factional fight in Ireland, they say» 
Was all on account of St. Patrick's birthday. 

A PARTY on the seventeenth may be made attractive 
by using quantities of green decorations. These are 
effective if carried out in festoons of cheese-cloth or 
crepe paper. Irish flags may be made or obtained 
from the city stores. 

These typical refreshments may be served: Potato 
soup in green bowls, rye bread sandwiches, tea, potato 
salad on lettuce leaves in a wreath of shamrock or 

[56] 



ENTERTAINING IN MARCH 

oxalis. Pistachio ice-cream may be molded into the 
shape of Httle pigs and served with shamrock cookies 
or cakes. Wiggly snakes may ornament the table. 
Clay pipes may be used for name cards, having the 
name and date done in green on the bowls. 

I give two recipes for use on this festival day, the 
first of which is for green sandwiches. To make them, 
take a handful of mint and a handful of parsley, a tiny 
green onion, and mince all very fine. Mix well with 
mayonnaise seasoned highly with paprika. Spread be- 
tween thin slices of fine-grained white bread. The second 
is for mint ale. This is just the beverage to use in honor 
of good old St. Patrick. It is used in place of frappe or 
a thirst quencher at parties. Take the juice of five 
lemons and a cup and a half of sugar. Place in a punch 
bowl with six stalks of bruised mint. Add plenty of 
cracked ice and two bottles of ginger ale. This is deli- 
cious and its use need not be confined to the seventeenth. 

TOASTS FOR ST. PATRICK'S 

St. Patrick was a gentleman who, through strategy 

and stealth. 
Drove all the snakes from Ireland; here's a bumper to 

his health; 
But not too many bumpers, lest we lose ourselves 

and then 
Forget the good St. Patrick and see the snakes again. 

If life for me hath joy or light, 

Tis all from thee: 

My thoughts by day, my dreams by night 

Are but of thee, of only thee, rp ^.^ 

•^ Tom Moore. 

[57] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

Come in the evening or come in the morning, 
Come when you're looked for or come without warning: 
A thousand welcomes you'll find here before you, 
And the oftener you come here the more I'll adore you. 

Old Irish Toast. 

OTHER ST. PATRICK'S DAY SUGGESTIONS 

Ask each guest to come prepared to tell an Irish 
joke or story, to sing an Irish song, dance a jig, or tell 
an anecdote pertaining to the Emerald Isle. In this 
way the hostess is sure of having a successful party. 
Irish character costumes might be worn, for it is a 
well-known fact that when dressed for the part one 
always does better. 

Here are menu suggestions to be used as the hostess 
thinks best: Olives and tiny green pickles, chicken 
in cubes of green jelly, lettuce sandwiches and Saratoga 
chips, salad served in green apples hollowed out, green 
mayonnaise, pistachio ice-cream served with white 
cake with decorations of green angelica, Irish punch 
and green bonbons, mints, gum drops, and buttercups. 

For a dinner a crown roast of pork could be arranged 
like one of lamb by an obliging butcher, and with each 
rib tipped with a green paper frill it would be a goodly 
sight. Fill in the center with green peas, and there 
could be a border of mashed potatoes sprinkled with 
parsley. Call it *' Murphy's turkey." Green color- 
ings are perfectly harmless if purchased at a reliable 
druggist's or grocer's, and they may be made also of 
spinach juice. 



[58] 



ENTERTAINING IN MARCH 

TO FIND PARTNERS ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY 

Make as many shamrocks of green paper as there 
will be guests. Give each girl one, but hide those for 
the men and tell them they must find them and then 
find the girl who has the question which their shamrock 
answers. Here are the "green" conundrums: 

A choice variety of plum Green Gage 

A raw youth Greenhorn 

Verdant Green 

A retailer of fresh vegetables .... Greengrocer 

A part of a theater Greenroom 

WTiere plants are sheltered .... Greenhouse 

DandeKons and spinach Greens 

Death to bugs Paris Green 

Mountains in Vermont Green 

Turf green with grass Greensward 

A coimtry Greenland 

A kind of apple Greening 



[59] 



ENTERTAINING IN APRIL 



ENTERTAINING IN APRIL 




AN APRIL FOOL PARTY 

A little nonsense now and then 
Is relished by the best of men. 

EMEMBERING the above, let us 
enter into the spirit of the first 
day of April. 

Once upon a time there were three 
merry children who dearly loved the 
first of April. They played pranks 
"from early morn till dewy eve." 
Here is a fist of surprise eatables which these young- 
sters concocted yearly and sprimg upon their ador- 
ing families who graciously forgot and were always 
obligingly '* fooled." 

The pancakes and biscuits had a layer of white 
cotton inserted. Maple sugar "just from the country " 
was cleverly made by mixing coarse salt and molasses. 
This was sHghtly dried and passed with innocent 
looking marshmallows peacefully reposing in quinine 
instead of powdered sugar. Baked potatoes, neatly 
hollowed out and lined with waxed paper, held vanilla 
ice-cream. When it came to delicious-looking, round 
chocolates, no one suspected any disguise and all were 
fooled to find them oyster crackers coated like choco- 
late creams. Bananas when passed on a plate were 
found to contain a fruit salad. The best thing of all 

[63] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

about this April Fool party was that these jokes were 
harmless. 

Now, please, dear fathers and mothers, just remem- 
ber that the first of April comes only once a year. 

Bite easily and quickly when a pocketbook Hes on the 
sidewalk and stoop to pick it up. Go cheerfully your- 
self to the door when the bell rings, because as a rule 
domestics haven't a keen sense of humor. Be cheerful 
when the postman brings you more than one "fool" 
letter, and, best of all, sharpen up your own wits and 
see how many times you can catch the wily youngsters 
who are lying in wait for you. 

AN APRIL FIRST PARTY 

The first day of April has become quite a "special" 
day with hostesses who are ever on the alert for a 
touch of novelty. Entertainments are always more 
enjoyable when full of surprises. 

The guests who were fortunate enough to be bidden 
to the party I am going to tell you about had more 
than the usual good time. On arriving they found the 
bell missing. In its place was a big tin pan with a 
potato masher tied to it with which to knock. The 
hostess received them in a wash dress, cap, and huge 
kitchen apron. Then came surprise number two. 
The ladies were given caps and aprons also, and the 
men were presented with market baskets. The 
hostess explained that her maid had departed and that 
the guests would have to get their own supper. Sur- 
prise number three followed. The host acted in the 
capacity of storekeeper and dispensed the provisions 
as each man presented his order list. 

[64] 



ENTERTAINING IN APRIL 

Chafing-dishes and the gas stove were used, and the 
hostess had the following articles in readiness: 

Charlotte russe in tiny black kettles, salted nuts in 
a tin pie pan, a setting of eggs (candy ones) in wee 
baskets for favors at each place. The salad was 
served in tin patty pans and the coffee in tin cups. 
Around the court jester centerpiece was a circle of tin 
spoons, each with a red candle in the bowl held there 
by a drop of hot wax which had been allowed to fall 
before the candle was placed in the spoon. 

The hostess was congratulated upon the success of 
this party with its series of surprises. 

RAINY DAY LUNCHEON 

A SEASONABLE fimctiou for this month is a rainy 
day luncheon. One given recently was literally what 
the name signifies, for the hostess said she wanted 
eight of her most intimate friends to limcheon the first 
rainy day. When that day arrived she telephoned 
to these eight expectant guests and they all responded 
with alacrity, scenting a good time from afar. 

The centerpiece was a white parasol, the handle 
imbedded in a low mound of daffodils and violets. 
Ice was concealed in perforated tin boxcovers which 
were placed beneath the vines up under the umbrella. 
The melting ice dripped in tiny rain drops on the 
flowers below, much to the delight of the guests, who 
said they were not disappointed in their expectations 
of something original. Real showers apparently pro- 
duced the real flowers on the spot. 

The place cards were tied to the handles of diminutive 
doll parasols in pink, white, yellow, and blue, and under 

[65] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

each umbrella was a wee doll clad in the dearest of 
raincoats. Little baskets of rustic make were also at 
each place, filled with wood violets. 

FOR APRIL FIRST 

About once a year every one is ready for the extreme 
novelties that are permissible on the first day of April, 
and guests take kindly to marshmallows dipped in 
quinine, button molds covered with chocolate, pill 
boxes filled with salt and iced as small cakes. 

In France this day is called "Poisson d'Avril," 
meaning "Fish of April," signifying that one is easily 
caught. 

One hostess who had planned an entertainment had 
her place cards fish-shaped, with an appropriate quota- 
tion and the date inscribed in gold ink. The fish were 
cut out of gray cardboard touched up with water-colors. 

A fool's cap of white crepe paper was the receptacle 
for holding spring blossoms in the center of the table. 
There were also fools' caps to be worn by each guest, 
and these were made of crepe paper and in dainty 
colors. 

The ice-cream was cone-shaped, covered with adorable 
little jesters' caps. 

The menu was served backwards, beginning with 
dessert, finishing with bouillon and breadsticks. Cards 
followed the luncheon, and the score was kept with 
tiny gilt bells hung to a fool's cap score card. 

AN APRIL SHOWER 

A DELIGHTFULLY pretty shower was carried out last 
year by an April hostess, who headed her invitations 
[66] 



ENTERTAINING IN APRIL 

with a charming verse from one of Jean Ingelow's 
poems : 

Heigh ho ! daisies and buttercups. 

Fair yellow daffodils stately and tall — 

A sunshiny world full of laughter and leisure. 

And fresh hearts unconscious of sorrow and thrall! 

She used white cards written in gold ink, and ex- 
plained to all the guests that it was to be a sunshine 
shower for the little bride who was to cross the sea 
on her honeymoon. She asked that each of the eight 
guests would do up her parcel or steamer letter in 
white with yellow ribbons and send to her the day before 
the function. 

As a centerpiece there was a steamer bearing the 
colors of the line on which the bride was to sail, as well 
as the dear "stars and stripes." The parcels were 
put on board as freight, each one attached to a yellow 
ribbon which hung over the side. At either end of 
the table were brass loving cups filled with daffodils, 
daisies, buttercups, vines, and ferns. The candles 
were yellow, in old-fashioned brass candlesticks, with 
shades of yellow silk. 

The place cards were anchors of gilt paper, the 
names done in blue water-color, and each bore a good 
wish for the bonny bride-to-be, which was read aloud. 
When the dessert had been served the ribbons were 
pulled, bringing the packages off the ship. They were 
placed in a pretty box, tied with gold cord, and fastened 
with golden seals, each girl sticking one with a wish. 
The packages were to be opened, one a day, while on 
board the ship. This pretty ceremony finished, all 

[67] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

adjourned to put the last stitches in the bridal lingerie, 
as it is considered to be a good omen if the bride's 
"nearest and dearest" friends put in a few stitches, 
thinking good luck thoughts while they work. 

AN EASTER PARTY 

I MUST tell you of a most unique Easter table which 
one hostess arranged for a party of twenty-four jolly 
people. The table was set on a long, enclosed porch, 
beautiful with quantities of growing ivy and ferns. 
The hostess had the tinsmith make a long and rather 
shallow pan which she placed in the middle of the 
table and surrounded with maidenhair fern and spring 
flowers. Tiny, live ducks (artificial ones will do) 
swam about contentedly. At each end of the table 
were low jars filled with flowers and chocolate cakes 
on which tiny, hard candies were scattered like seeds. 
All over the table were bunnies and chickens and a 
few chanticleers. There were individual candles, with 
shades of dehcate pink, lavender, blue, green, and yellow. 
The holders were of glass, very inexpensive and twined 
with smilax. The name cards were tied to them and 
the guests took them home as souvenirs. The repast 
was simple, but just what such a feast should be — 
several kinds of sandwiches, chicken salad, oHves, 
candied kumquats, celery stalks filled with cheese, 
salted nuts, coffee, veal croquettes made egg-shaped 
and served on wee nests of water-cress. The ices were 
in shape of eggs, chicks, lihes, and rabbits. The cake 
was individual angel food, with a tiny yellow chick 
on each cake. 



[68] 



ENTERTAINING IN APRIL 

FOR THE GLAD EASTER TIDE 

Children adore this season, so let every mother 
who can possibly do it have some kind of a party for 
the neighborhood children. The ever alluring post 
card makes a suitable invitation and the Saturday 
after Easter is just the time to have it. 

Of course there must be an egg hunt. Nothing has 
ever supplanted this time-honored custom. Much 
joy and excitement is caused by having all kinds of 
eggs, hard-boiled and colored candy ones — the latter 
come in all sizes and colors — even the china nest egg 
may be used for hiding. Add several "prize" eggs, 
which must be gilded and silvered. Provide baskets 
or bags for each Uttle hunter, and for the rewards 
choose some of the many fascinating favors symbolic 
of Easter. 

Try this for another stunt: A real nest of straw or 
a round basket will do. Fill it with downy chicks. 
BUndf old the children, one at a time, turn them around, 
and tell them to go to the nest and select a chickie to 
take home. For the table centerpiece have a wagon 
filled with eggs drawn by a tandem team of bunnies, 
with a bunny for a driver. Harness these "hares" 
with narrow ribbon of any preferred color. Nests of 
spun sugar filled with ice-cream eggs will deUght the 
children. Have rabbit-shaped cookies, using currants 
for eyes. 

FOR THE EASTER TABLE 

Let me tell you of a beautiful centerpiece for an 
Easter table. It may be utilized also, if desired, for 

[69] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

the giving of favors or to announce an engagement. 
If money does not have to be considered, use real 
Easter hhes. In the center of each a very small gift 
may be concealed or the engagement ring placed. At 
the close of the repast pass the jar and request each 
guest to take a lily. The surprise comes when the 
favor is discovered. Artificial lilies may be made or 
purchased and will serve the purpose admirably. 

Another very effective table decoration is made by 
using a low bowl filled with spring flowers over which 
is suspended a number of butterflies. These are made 
of the colors predominating in the flowers and are 
hung on very fine threads of irregular lengths from a 
hoop wound with ferns or smilax fastened over the 
table from the hght or ceihng. These butterflies can 
be made very easily at home and some Japanese stores 
have pretty ones. 

Cocoons made from tissue paper and stuffed with 
cotton are appropriate receptacles for holding gifts or 
favors. The name card may be attached to them with 
the following descriptive verse: 

From my little cradle take me; 
I can't wake unless you wake me; 
Lift the covers that now bind me. 
Take them off and you will find me. 

FOR EASTER 

With the dawn of the Easter morn comes the 
thought of all things made new. Even to those who 
sit in darkness the light begins to break, and they can 
say **It is well," although hearts break and voices 
choke. This day is full of hope, for is not the Lord 

[70] 



ENTERTAINING IN APRIL 

risen? In the Eastern churches the day is still called 
Pascha, and we speak of the paschal moon. The word 
"Lent" comes from the Teutonic word *'lenz," 
meaning spring, because the forty days' fast comes 
in this season. 

In medieval times eggs were solemnly blessed by 
the priests before being distributed to the people. The 
eggs were boiled hard first, then fancifully decorated 
and given as special gifts to dear friends. A most 
curious custom called "lifting" was observed on Easter 
Monday in England. A crowd of young swains carried 
a gaily decorated chair covered with white silk and 
garlands of flowers and went from house to house in- 
viting the young girls to be lifted. They then thrust 
the chair into the air as high as possible, and upon 
descending from the "lifting" each gallant claimed a 
kiss as payment. In the records kept in the Tower 
of London there is an interesting account of the young 
ladies and maids of honor "lifted" by King Edward I 
on an Easter Monday and of the payment made. 

Nearly every country has its own pecuhar beUef 
regarding Easter. Perhaps the most curious custom 
on this side of the water is the hanging of Judas, which 
survives in Mexico, and which so many tourists have 
seen. Days before Easter the merchants display all 
sizes of images representing the traitor disciple. These 
are sought by the natives, who hang Judas with much 
ceremony at Easter time. 

EASTER ENGAGEMENTS 

How many young people are aware of the fact that 
in the Middle Ages an engagement made on Easter 

[71] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

Sunday was considered to be most auspicious and 
happy? A troth pHghted on this Sunday was supposed 
to be pecuUarly blessed and it was the day of days for 
proposals. 

It was also customary for lovers to send poetic verses 
to their adored ones after the manner of valentines. 
The one given below was written in the time of 
Richard I and is certainly worthy to be used in this 
twentieth century. It was composed by a poet of the 
day named Athelstane Wade and the spelling has been 
modernized to suit the times: 

'Tis God's Sunday, precious one, 

That binds your heart in love to me. 
Let us, then, all folly shun; 

Be true, my sweet, as I to thee. 
Troth plighted on Christ's rising day 

Is sacred, holy, good, and true. 
Let come to me whatever may. 

In Ufe or death I'll cling to you. 

GIVING AN EGG DANCE 

This is an ancient amusement that was much in 
favor with the young folk in Queen Elizabeth's time 
and may be made a very attractive feature of an Easter 
party. The requirements are thirteen eggs, the con- 
tents carefully blown out and the shells colored — 
eight red ones, four yellow, and one white. The yellow 
ones may be easily gilded. Place these eggs on the 
floor in two circles, the outer circle of red, eight feet in 
diameter, the inner circle of the gilded eggs about four 
feet in diameter, and the white egg in the middle of 
the inside circle. 

[72] 



ENTERTAINING IN APRIL 

The first couple is placed within the outer circle 
between the red and yellow eggs, and to slow waltz 
music they dance around three times. Then entering 
the inner circle they waltz three times around the white 
egg. This must all be done without breaking the shells 
or misplacing them. 

If an egg is broken or moved more than twelve inches 
out of place the couple instantly retires and the next 
couple enters. The broken eggs are not replaced, but 
the moved ones are put in position. The first couple 
to go through successfully receives a prize. There 
may be rewards for second and third couples if the 
hostess wishes. 

EASTER MORN IN GERMANY 

In certain German provinces the peasants continue 
to observe some very curious customs. One which 
strikes the traveler as most interesting is the singing 
of the servants at sunrise, accompanied by the orchestra 
that is often kept up among the tenants on a large 
estate. 

The baron, or whoever the owner may be, descends 
to the great hall when the music begins, and all the 
employees pass in review, each carrying something 
emblematic of his or her occupation, and yet indicating 
something in the life or death of the blessed Lord. 

In one such procession the washerwomen carried 
snow-white tubs in which large dolls lay dressed to 
represent the infant Jesus. The foresters had small 
hatchets, the blades fastened in black crosses. The 
gardeners had stiff bouquets of flowers surrounded by 
crowns of thorns. The housemaids carried brooms 

[73] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

swathed in white sheets, symboKc of the Saviour's 
winding sheet. The blacksmiths had hammers and 
great spikes, and the masons carried trowels and white 
stones. They walked two by two, making a low bow 
before the head of the house and his guests, and as 
each passed, he or she received a gift of money. This 
performance is universal on all the large estates of 
Germany and has been carried out for generations. 

EASTER PARTY FOR CHILDREN 

For a children's party send the invitations inclosed 
in an egg shell in a wee basket just large enough to 
hold it. Say, "May I count on you for the party I 
am hatching for Easter Saturday.^" 

Have puzzles made from Easter post cards cut out 
by some clever boy on a jig-saw, one each, in an egg- 
shaped box. Children as well as grown people have 
the puzzle craze. For prizes have Easter favors, there 
being many from which to select. Then hang up a 
sheet after the manner of an old-fashioned donkey 
party. Draw a big brown nest on it with crayon. 
Give each child a paper egg cut from bright colors with 
the name on the back for identification. Then let 
them, while blindfolded, try to pin their eggs in the 
nest. 

QUAINT EASTER MONDAY CUSTOM 

Probably one of the most unique Easter customs is 
carried on in Bulgaria where on the Monday after the 
great festival day the unmarried lads and lassies gather 
in the village churchyard, attired in their very best 
garments, and indulge in all sorts of outdoor games. 

[74] 



ENTERTAINING IN APRIL 

If in these merry sports a young man is permitted 
to get and keep the handkerchief of one of the shy 
maidens it is equal to a verbal proposal, and the follow- 
ing day, if the suitor is favored by the girl's parents, 
they send the swain a jug of wine which is considered 
a token of approval, and a wedding soon follows. 

It may well be the most important day in the year's 
calendar to the young people in this community, and 
it is certain that every girl is provided with an especially 
dainty kerchief for this important occasion. 

AN EASTER PARTY FOR CHILDREN 

At this party a Jack Horner pie was the centerpiece, 
and each ribbon radiating from it had a tiny chick on 
the end. These chicks may be purchased by the dozen 
or by the hundred, and instead of hiding eggs for the 
"hunt," the hostess concealed these fluflFy little chicks. 
Inside the pie there were Easter novelty candy boxes 
filled with the tiniest of candy eggs. The surprise of 
the party was at the finish, when a screen was removed 
revealing a tub filled with water in which there were 
enough real live baby ducklings to give one to each 
child, and there were little wooden cages such as canary 
birds come in to put the duckies in to be carried home. 

There was egg-shaped ice-cream served with cookies 
in shape of rabbits, with currants for eyes, and little 
nests filled with candy eggs. 

The hostess made charming hats of tissue paper for 
the girls and soldier caps for the boys — regular cocked 
hats, with nice, long, white tissue paper feathers. Balls 
of confetti were the parting gift at this prettiest of 
Easter parties. 

[75] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

WHY THE RABBIT AT EASTER? 

Each year at this season the cunning little bunny 
appears in the shop windows beside downy chicks 
and gaily colored eggs. The legend of the Easter 
rabbit is one of the most ancient in mythological lore 
and is closely related to the folk tales of southern 
Germany. 

In the beginning of things, it seems, the rabbit was 
a bird. As a great favor the goddess Ostara, who was 
the patron of spring, gave it four legs for which the 
rabbit was deeply grateful. In remembrance of its 
former life as a bird, when the spring or Easter season 
comes it lays eggs of gorgeous colors. As the egg has 
always been a symbol of the resurrection, it is used at 
Easter time. 

It is a German custom for children to go to their 
godmothers at Easter for the gift of colored eggs and 
a baked rabbit. Just before Easter the children are 
sent to the garden to build a nest for the expected 
rabbit, and early Easter morning they go with great 
expectations (which are never disappointed) to get the 
eggs which the rabbit has laid for them. Even in 
Africa, among the heathen tribes, worship of the egg 
is common. No altar is complete without its egg 
decoration, and most huts have at least one sacred 
egg. On all the eggs devoted to the rites of worship 
a verse from the Koran is written at each end, while 
the sides are ornamented by scenes from the Nile. 

A rare specimen of these eggs is to be seen in the 
Detroit Museum of Art. The etchings on the shell 
follow closely the same general design as that which 

[76] 



ENTERTAINING IN APRIL 

appears in the paintings of men and women recently 
foimd in Cairo. 



EASTER PLACE CARDS 

Use Easter symbols for any affairs given the week 
following Easter Sunday. Let the place cards be 
redolent of spring Tvath its promise of hope and love. 
Eggs, chicks, rabbits, the cross in gilt, violets, hhes, 
crocuses, and jonquils are all charming when done in 
water-colors. A lovely set of twelve dinner cards has 
birds for the decorative scheme, with appropriate 
mottoes deUcately lettered. I give two quotations, 
just to serve as examples. I wish I could give samples 
of the cards. 

He giveth you your wings to fly 
And breathe a purer air on high. 
And careth for you everywhere. 
Who for yourselves so little care. 

The blue eggs in the robin's nest 

Will soon have wings and beak and breast. 

And flutter and fly away. 

On place cards to be used where the guests are all 
churchmen, the butterfly motif with the cross and 
"I am the resurrection and the life" or *'He is risen" 
should be used exclusively. The flowers should be 
lilies, the corsage bouquets of purple and white violets. 

FOR THE EASTER TABLE 

A PRETTY salad for Easter is made by forming a nest 
from bars of cold boiled potatoes laid upon white 

[77] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

lettuce hearts. Fill the nest with "eggs" made of 
cream cheese and then rolled in yellow grated cheese. 
Serve with mayonnaise dressing and sandwiches of 
brown and white bread cut in egg shape. 

For a violet luncheon a most attractive dessert is 
made by coloring gelatin with grape juice. Pour into 
egg shell molds which are kept firm and upright by 
imbedding them in a dish of salt. Place on ice. When 
solid, remove the shells and serve these eggs with 
whipped cream. 

An effective centerpiece for the Easter table is made 
by filling a low, round basket with violets and mi- 
gnonette. Aroimd this, place downy yellow chickens 
facing the guests. Tie a violet and green ribbon around 
the neck of each one and let it lead to the guest's place, 
where it will fasten a boutonniere of violets to the name 
card. 

A JOLLY EASTER PARTY 

The invitations to this pretty party were issued in 
a unique way. Wee baskets containing an egg joined 
in the middle concealed the following, neatly written 
and rolled, to go inside: 

Lillian Whiting 

33 Chestnut Street 

Easter Party 

Monday, April 8, 1912 

2:30 to 6 

Egg Rolling 

Rabbit Hunt 

Lots of Fun 

[78] 



ENTERTAINING IN APRIL 

The names of the children asked were written on 
Easter cards tied to the handle with white and yellow 
ribbon. Partners for refreshments were found by- 
matching eggs of the same color. The ice-cream was 
in the form of yellow chicks on nests of green spun 
sugar candy. The best of all was the rabbit himt, 
which took place just before the children went home. 
Real Kve rabbits (one for each child) were in a screened 
corner of the porch in straw and leaves. The children 
went one at a time and caught a bunny by his ears, 
put it in a httle covered basket, and took it home. 

ARRANGING A LILY LUNCHEON 

For a lily luncheon it goes without saying that the 
decorations are all white and gold. The cloth should 
be of snowy white with centerpiece over yellow, or 
the ever-pleasing pohshed board with plate doihes. 
Easter Uhes, the flowers chosen for this pretty function, 
should stand tall and regal in their purity in the center 
of the table. 

White tissue paper hlies may be made at home or 
purchased to hold salted nuts, and the yellow candles 
should be shaded with white Hlies, the holders being 
of cut glass. Plain white china with a gold band is 
the proper thing, and for place cards have one lily in 
a small yellow jardiniere (doll size) at each plate, to 
which are tied hly-shaped cards bearing the name in 
gold ink. 

Serve this menu: Cream of celery soup over which 
the grated yolk of hard-boiled egg is sprinkled, bread- 
sticks, boiled fresh cod with egg sauce, chicken breasts 
fried, creamed potatoes in yellow ramekins, cauli- 

[79] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

flower, hot rolls, white grape gelatin and candied orange 
peel, egg salad in water cress nests, cheese straws and, 
for dessert, ice-cream eggs, served in yellow spun sugar 
nests with a tiny yellow chick perched on the side of 
the plate. Individual cakes iced with yellow and a 
white chick on each one. 

As this is a white season, the hostess might request 
her guests to wear white gowns with yellow accessories. 
The house decorations should be confined exclusively 
to lilies, of which there are many varieties. 

A MONEY-RAISING PARTY 

A CHURCH in a small country village makes quite a 
sum of money each Easter season for its chronically 
depleted treasury by asking contributions of fresh 
eggs from members of the congregation. These eggs 
are disposed of at fancy prices to city friends for their 
Easter morning breakfast. I also heard of a lovely 
way to use eggs at this season. People who had chick- 
ens were asked to send just what eggs they could spare 
to the church parlors. The eggs were distributed to 
hospitals and homes, where they were served on Easter 
morning to patients. A class of young men in the 
church, hearing of the egg scheme, sent a huge basket 
of yellow chicks and a big bunch of daflFodils to be laid 
on the tray with the eggs, and one flower and one chick 
were given each patient. 

AN EASTER RABBIT TABLE 

Easter is always regarded as a season of great 
festivity with eggs, lilies, and bonnets galore and all 
kinds of joyous parties for both old and young. Ought 

[80] 



ENTERTAINING IN APRIL 

we not to be gay and festive at this time? A poet has 
aptly said, "Joy is a duty we owe to God." This 
may not be quoted correctly, but the idea, I hope, is 
clear. 

This description of a rabbit table will be interesting, 
and it is easy to arrange: Use a low, round basket 
filled with eggs, moss, vines, and flowers for the center- 
piece. Around this have a circle of rabbits (candy 
boxes). White, yellow, lavender, and pink (also green 
and blue, if liked) ribbons should be tied to the rabbits' 
paws and run to each plate. Tiny rabbits with the 
name card around the neck may be at each plate. The 
bonbons should be colored eggs in wee nests. 

HOLDING AN EGG RACE 

There is a purely German sport called Eierlaufen 
or egg race. It is always a feature of the Easter Mon- 
day parties, and, by the way, it is the custom in that 
country for the grandparents to entertain their families 
with their children on Easter Monday. The young 
people participate in all the traditional games of which 
the egg race is a great favorite. 

A course is laid out around the room which takes 
the child over chairs, stools, under tables, and finally 
through a big barrel. Six hard-boiled, colored eggs 
are placed on the floor at the starting-point, and the 
child is handed a shallow wooden spoon in which the 
eggs are to be carried separately over this course and 
deposited in a basket at the goal. The one who makes 
the transfer in the shortest space of time and with the 
fewest drops is awarded a fancy egg-shaped receptacle 
filled with candy eggs. 

[81] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

EASTER WEDDING DECORATIONS 

At the church, long-stemmed HHes may be fastened 
to the end of each pew making a lovely aisle. On the 
altar there should be nothing but lilies and the candles. 
At home have the mantels and the dining-room table 
banked with lilies, and the canopy under which the 
couple stands to receive congratulations should be 
of the same flower combined with vines. Individual 
ice-creams in the form of a lily with leaf and stem of 
green spun candy may be had, also bonbons orna- 
mented with wee liUes. The bridal cake must, of 
course, be decorated with the same flower. Then, in 
addition to all this, if the bride's name happens to 
be Lilian, how charming it would be to know that 
lingerie, table and household linen have all been marked 
with a lily motif beneath a daintily embroidered name 
or monogram. 

IN HONOR OF SHAKESPEARE 
The twenty-third of April is the natal day of the 
great bard of Avon, and these few suggestions may 
prove helpful to any wishing to add a touch of some- 
thing different, if entertaining on that day, or for a 
literary club whose members may wish to honor the 
greatest of our dramatists. 

As far as possible use flowers mentioned by Shake- 
speare for decorations, with a nosegay of pansies (for 
thoughts) as a souvenir for each guest. Other flowers 
to use are violets, lilies, primroses, roses, and daffodils. 
If music is desirable, have a duet called '*La Ro- 
manesca," which was a dance of the fifteenth century. 
[8^2] 



ENTERTAINING IN APRIL 

Ask each guest to come prepared to give a quotation 
from Shakespeare when the name is called, and here 
are the names of three songs of Shakespeare which 
would add to the occasion: "My Lady Green Sleeves," 
*'0h. Mistress Mine," **Come live with me and be 
my Love," and I think there is a song called "When I 
was a Little Tiny Boy." 

I give a clever invitation which will be just the thing 
for a hostess who wishes to entertain at cards on the 
twenty-third: 

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith send greeting 

to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jones. 

April twenty-third, 

Eight o'clock. 

Lend thy serious hearing to what I shall unfold. 

Hamlet. 

Sir (and lady), you are very welcome to our house, 
It must appear in other ways than words. 
Therefore, I scant this breathing courtesy. 

Merchant of Venice. 
Say, what abridgment 
Have you for this evening? 

Midsummer Night'b Dream. 

Whist will be the pastime — passing excellent. 

Taming of the Shrew. 

If your love do not persuade you to come, 
Let not my letter. 

Merchant of Venice. 

For prizes framed pictures of Stratford-on-Avon 
scenes, one of Shakespeare, or a stein picturing FalstaflF 
with a cup of sack, or *' Romeo and Juliet" would be 

[83] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

appropriate. Even a set of postals portraying Shake- 
spearean views in a post card case would be acceptable. 

FOR SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHDAY 

This menu, compiled from "The Tempest," may add 
a touch of novelty if a hostess happens to be enter- 
taining upon the twenty-third, which is the birthday of 
the great bard of Avon. At the top of the menu 
card put: 

I must eat my dinner. — Act I, Scene 2. 

Cereal Soup 

Of wheat, rye, barley, vetches, oats, and peas. — Act 

IV, Scene 1. 

Broiled Lobster 
Half a fish and half a monster. — Act III, Scene 2. 

Oyster Patties 
. . . nothing that doth fade 
But doth suffer a sea-change 
Into something rich and strange. — Act I, Scene 2. 

Sweetbreads 

It must needs be of subtle, tender, and delicate tem- 
perance. — Act II, Scene 1. 

Mashed Potatoes 

Wilt please you taste of what is here? — Act III, 

Scene 3. 

Brussels Sprouts 
Strange Stuff! — Act I, Scene 1, 
[84] 



ENTERTAINING IN APRIL 

Green Onions 
. . . it is a hint 
That wrings my eyes to 't. — Act I, Scene 2. 

Pickles 
How eam'st thou in this pickle? — Act V, Scene 1. 

Comb Honey 
In the cowslip's bell I he. — Act V, Scene 1. 

Combination Salad 
So perfect and so peerless are created 
Of every creature's best. — Act III, Scene 1. 

Sherbet or Ice Cream 
What? Must our mouths be cold? — Act I, Scene 1. 

Wine or Ginger Ale 
At least two glasses. — Act I, Scene 2. 

Angel Food Cake 
A thing divine. — Act I, Scene 2. 

FOR EASTER MONDAY 

This description is of an affair which was most 
successfully given by a church society. The ideas may 
be utiUzed for a private party also. The announce- 
ment was written on white cardboard, egg-shaped, 
having a cunning wee chick on it. Some were done in 
water-colors, some cut from *'ads" and pasted on. 
Both these jingles were used, so take your choice. The 
longest one had merely broken eggs outlined on the 
cards instead of the *' chicks." 

[85] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

Who am I? A new-hatched chick. 
Where am I going? I'll tell you quick. 
For the great egg social I am billed 
On Monday night at Blank Street Guild. 

This lively chick 
Has done the trick. 
He's burst his shell 
And feels quite well. 
His brother is billed 
For Blank Street guild. 
In sandwich fare 
You'll meet him there. 

The admission was ten cents or two eggs. The eggs 
were put in dozen lots, placed in dainty boxes or baskets, 
and sent to a hospital. The decorations consisted 
entirely of yellow and white crepe paper, spring flowers, 
and bulb potted plants, which were for sale. Those 
not sold were returned to the florist. The guild re- 
ceived a commission on all sold. There was a home- 
made candy booth, also a grab '*nest," where tissue 
paper eggs held wee articles, and there was a penny 
"nest" and a five-cent "nest." The refreshments con- 
sisted of egg sandwiches, coffee, ice-cream (egg-shaped) , 
and small cakes. The charge was twenty-five cents if 
the whole menu was taken. The sandwiches and 
coffee were fifteen cents and the same price for cream 
and cake. 

FOR A DUTCH AFFAIR 

For a novel scheme at a party or luncheon given in 
the spring time nothing more pleasing could be evolved 
[86] 



ENTERTAINING IN APRIL 

than this : On the name card to be attached to a tulip 
write this apt quotation: 

Dutch tulips from their beds 
Flaunted their stately heads, 

MONTGOMEBY. 

To simulate a body of water down the center of the 
table use a mirror, one of oblong shape if possible to 
procure it. Upon this, place a wooden shoe with three 
or four fluffy yellow ducklings with one wee fellow 
perched on the toe. Around the "water" make a 
border of tulips, ferns, and vines. The tulips should 
have rather short stems. 

If little Dutch figures cannot be purchased of card- 
board to put at the places, they may be made by 
sketching the faces in water-colors, making the costumes 
in crepe paper, copying Dutch peasants. A rest of 
cardboard attached on the back will enable them to 
stand up in a highly respectable manner. 

The candle shades may be made in the shape of 
tulips, and small wooden shoes may be utiUzed for 
holding crystallized fruits, candied ginger, nuts, and 
bonbons. There are charming post cards which open 
up in the form of tulips with a quaint Dutch laddie and 
lass in each one. They make very appropriate favors 
for an occasion like this. 

AN "ALL DAY" EASTER PARTY 

A MOTHER of three gave an "all day" Easter Monday 
party, the guests being seven of the neighborhood 
children. The invitations were written on egg-shaped 
cards sealed with a violet paster, or the dearest Easter 

[87] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

chick just coming out of the shell may be found among 
the seals or pasters, as the children call them. 

The ages of the guests ranged from five to eight 
years. A third floor chamber was known as the 
children's room, and it was prettily decorated with 
flowers and branches of budding fruit trees which had 
been placed in water for several days. There was a 
mass of blossoms on them by Easter. Ten little hoops 
had been prepared for one of the games, each one 
wound smoothly with a colored tape. The boy who 
could roll his hoop twice around the room without 
letting it turn over was awarded a bag of marbles, and 
the little girl who accomplished the same feat had a 
dear little doll baby dressed all in white. 

A substantial luncheon was served at noon with the 
prettiest table imaginable, all glorious jonquils, bunnies, 
and fluffy yellow chicks. A music box played during 
the repast. After luncheon the children decorated eggs 
to take home. 



[88] 



ENTERTAINING IN MAY 



ENTERTAINING IN MAY 



MAY-DAY DOINGS 




HE old custom of keeping the first day 
of May is being revived, especially by 
people living in the country , who make 
a practise of sendmg baskets filled 
with wild flowers to their friends who 
are so unfortunate as to be debarred 
from gathering them personally. The 
city people observe the day by sending baskets of fruit 
and flowers to the sick, or to their friends who may be 
in sorrow. The children have revived the English 
method of hanging "May" baskets on the door knobs 
and then running away before the ring is answered. 
These baskets may be made at home or may be of an 
inexpensive kind purchased for a trifle. They should 
contain, preferably, wild flowers, fruit, or a simple gift. 
One young hostess delivered her invitations in this 
novel way, hanging the baskets to the door by a loop of 
ribbon. 

For a centerpiece at a May party, have a pole some 
thirty inches high, supported on a firm, flat base about 
twelve inches across. Fasten inch- wide ribbon of the 
delicate pastel shades at the top of the pole. Give 
these a few twists, carry them to each place, and tie 
to the handle of miniature baskets bearing the name 
of the guest and holding the salted nuts. 

[91] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

To choose partners for any entertainment scheme the 
hostess may have in mind, or for cards, make a **tuHp 
bed." Fill a shallow wooden box with sawdust or sand. 
Cover with green crepe paper and place on a tabouret 
or stand. Then realistic tulips can be made from crepe 
tissue paper if real ones cannot be procured. On the 
end of each stem, wire a half of some well-known quota- 
tion, or the title of a book. The other half of the 
quotation and the name of the author of the book must 
be wired to other tulips. Each guest pulls a flower and 
proceeds to hunt his partner. The end of one of the 
tulips may have a drawing of a crown on it and the 
person gathering that one must be ** crowned" with a 
garland of flowers, either real or artificial, and have some 
one read Tennyson's **The May Queen." 

Intimate friends and sweethearts often exchange 
gifts on May-day, the little tokens being concealed in 
a box or basket of flowers. In this busy workaday 
world it is a good thing to remember all these special 
days that will vary the monotony of the commonplace. 
Sentiment is in danger of being crowded out and the 
re\dval of these Old World festivals is one of the most 
hopeful signs of the times. I trust that every mother 
and homemaker will take the trouble to look up the 
history and romance that is connected with all the 
"special" days. 

ALL IN THE MERRIE MONTH OF MAY 

" Merry time it is in May ..." So began the lines of 
an old English song, and true it is we all feel gay with 
balmy winds and glorious spring flowers. 

A very pretty custom is the keeping of May-day. 

[9^i] 



ENTERTAINING IN MAY 

As usual, we are indebted to our English cousins for the 
ideas here suggested. If the day be fair and an after- 
noon party for children is to be given, have a May-pole 
erected on the lawn and equip it with streamers of 
delicately colored cambric with which to wind the pole. 
For a table centerpiece have a small pole wdth an em- 
broidery ring fastened on the top, and from this hang 
the ribbons, which may extend to each place, the ends 
being tied to small baskets filled wdth spring flowers 
and the place card tied to the handle. This makes a 
most effective decoration and one suited only to this 
day. 

"MAY QUEEN" 

Lines from Tennyson's "The May Queen" may be 
wTitten on the card, or the poem may be read aloud. 
Send the invitations by special messenger in tiny 
baskets which may be left on the door knob. 

The giving of gifts on May-day is an old custom. 
The gifts are usually in a box of fragrant blossoms. 
What a pretty way for a lover to send a token to his 
sweetheart hidden in a mass of violets! May-day 
brings another opportunity for sending gifts of fruit or 
flowers to our friends who are ill or shut in. 

A "WISHING WELL" SHOWER 

Tradition says that wishes *' wished over a wishing 
weir' in the month of May will come true. Be that as 
it may, we have heard that our great-grandmothers did 
it, and it is certain that they all married. Remembering 
this quaint custom, a hostess planned a pretty shower 
for a girl friend who is to be a June bride. She im- 

[93] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

provised a really good-looking well, with the base sur- 
rounded by pots of ferns and palms. This was out in 
the sun parlor off of the living-room. The man of the 
house arranged a well sweep tied with a huge bow of 
green and white (the wedding colors), and each parcel 
was deposited beforehand in the well. The happy 
Httle bride drew out the packages all so daintily wrapped 
and read the sentiments attached. Afterward refresh- 
ments were served from a table decorated entirely in 
ferns and white hyacinths. The place cards were 
decorated with a well, the long sweep, and a wish lettered 
in gold. 

It was what is known as a parcel shower, and it was 
agreed that no gift should cost more than one dollar. 
This was the expressed wish of the bride-elect, who said 
she would not accept it if the promise were not made 
and kept. She stipulated also that it was to be the 
only "shower" given in her honor. This was a wise 
and sane suggestion, for while in their place "showers" 
are very pretty and acceptable, they have been so over- 
done that not only the friends but the brides have been 
put in embarrassing situations. It is not good form to 
ask any but near and dear friends of the honored guest, 
and no relative of either bride or bridegroom should 
give such an affair. 

A MAY FfeTE 

Each year when spring has really come, every one 
feels in a greater or less degree the "call of the wild." 
It is bound to assert itself in some way. In the time 
of our grandmothers this desire was usually gratified 
by a vigorous spring cleaning, but nowadays while 

[94] 



ENTERTAINING IN MAY 

the modern housekeeper still cleans, it is not such an 
upheaval as of yore, owing to the many aids toward 
making life easier for all concerned in home making. 

The fiesta which I am about to describe took place 
in May, but was talked of and planned for when the 
snow was knee deep. The whole neighborhood partici- 
pated. As the affair was on Saturday, fathers and 
husbands, with a few sweethearts thrown in, had a 
share in the fun. First there was a wild-flower hunt. 
Big wagons transported the merry throngs to a spot 
where all sorts of spring beauties made their home. 
Birds and squirrels were there also and a jolly two hours 
were spent. Then at the sound of a bugle all piled 
into the wagons with the spoils and repaired to the 
home of a most hospitable suburbanite, w^here races and 
games were indulged in until five thirty. Then the 
bugle sounded again and a picnic supper was served 
on the porches. This had been prepared by all the 
mothers interested, and the drinkables, milk, butter- 
milk, coffee, and water, were provided by the hostess. 

I must tell you about the races, which were most 
amusing and suited to most any locality. First came 
the goose race, in which only matrons took part. A 
course of about a hundred feet was marked off between 
two trees, and there were three entries, the one driving 
her goose in the shortest time winning. A very light 
collar had been put around the neck of the goose. To 
this reins were attached, and each driver had a light 
willow switch. The sight was convulsingly funny. 
The "nursemaids ' " race was nm by ten little girls five 
years of age dressed in long skirts, caps, and aprons, each 
with a doll in its carriage, the one successfully getting 

[95] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

her child unspilled to the end of the course winning. 
The long skirts greatly hampered the youthful care- 
takers, but as the babies were of the unbreakable variety 
no serious damage was done. A wheelbarrow race was 
entered into by the young men, who took their sweet- 
hearts over the course first and then were required to 
go over a rough speedway each with a dozen stones. 
Every stone spilled out took from the winning points. 
Just try to wheel an open 'barrow over a very rough 
track at full speed and see the result. You will have 
some sympathy for these contestants. Then there was 
the usual potato and sack races, which need no descrip- 
tion. After the children were all put to bed, the elders 
finished up the festivities with a "barn" dance. 

CHARMING CENTERPIECES FOR MAY 

At a luncheon try these. For the centerpiece have 
a high-handled basket gilded and filled with daisies and 
asparagus ferns. Tie a bunch of daisies and ferns to 
the handles with soft pink or pale blue taffeta ribbon, 
carrying an end of the ribbon down to the basket where 
it ends in a small bow. At each cover have small gilded 
baskets filled with unhuUed strawberries or cherries. 
Yellow and lavender iris — some call them flags or fleur 
de lis — in a tall slender vase make an unusual center 
also. Have small individual vases at each plate con- 
taining one or two of these stately blossoms. Yellow 
and lavender are very striking and are unusually good 
as daytime colors, but they do not light up well. Can- 
dles are not as much in favor for daytime functions and 
are entirely tabooed for these glorious spring time 
f mictions. 

[96] 



ENTERTAINING IN MAY 

AN APPLE BLOSSOM LUNCHEON 

A SMALL but very sweetly tuned music box was the 
centerpiece, literally covered with a mound of apple 
blossoms. When luncheon was announced there was 
"music in the air" and the guests found their places by 
cards decorated with apple blossoms done in water- 
colors and a bar or two of Mendelssohn's " Spring Song " 
done in gilt across the top. The favors were candy 
boxes in the shape of musical instruments and the 
hostess said she hoped all her guests were *' sweetly 
attuned." The home at which this pretty luncheon was 
given was in the country and after the repast all repaired 
to the orchard and gathered blossoms which they took 
home. 

A MAY PARTY TABLE 

At a spring party the table was laid out like a formal 
garden with stiff little trees taken from ''Noah's arks" 
and purchased at the favor department, as were the 
gilded garden tools. Wild flowers were used in toy 
wheelbarrows. As a pastime the hostess used flower 
guessing contests. She had made the cards on which 
the questions were written in the shape of flower pots, 
the outside being painted to represent a potted plant. 
The prizes were brown baskets of spring flowers. The 
ice-cream was served in flower pots and the salad in 
turnip cases. As it was made of vegetables, this was 
most appropriate. 



[97] 



ENTERTAINING IN JUNE 



ENTERTAINING IN JUNE 
A ROSE SHOWER 

What is so rare as a day in June ? 
Then if ever come perfect days. 




E instinctively think the above lines 
during this month. No wonder girls 
choose June for their wedding month. 
It is so fresh with bright greens and 
delicate colorings, and one involunta- 
rily thinks of roses. I really think no 
one could object to a rose '* shower," 
and they may be given for brides, for invalids, for anni- 
versaries, and for the new babies and young mothers. 
All one has to do is to set the date and hour and ask each 
guest to bring a rose. Serve an ice with a rose laid on 
each plate or simply a cup of tea with plain bread and 
butter sandwiches and wee cakes. If this aflfair is 
given the day before a wedding the roses will add greatly 
to the decorations, and the sentiment is such a pretty 
one for whomever it is given. We should all like to 
have rose-scattered pathways in this workaday world. 

Such affairs may be given for hospitals and institu- 
tions. Let us all have some kind of a rose day before 
the end of the month. 

[101] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

A ROSE LUNCHEON 

Pink is always a satisfactory color, both to hostess 
and guests, and a **rose" luncheon is the prettiest 
affair imaginable. The table may be left bare, with 
individual doilies, or a lace cloth over pink may be used. 
A plain white damask cover with pink rosebuds and 
petals scattered over it is always good. Use pink 
candles, rose shades in holders of glass or silver, and 
for a most stunning centerpiece suspend a square 
basket filled with pink roses and maidenhair fern, by 
means of pink satin ribbons or tulle streamers from the 
overhead light to within about six inches of the table. 

The place cards are pink roses cut from water-color 
paper and painted. Cut them out in rose forms and 
write half of a rime, either original or from "Mother 
Goose," on it. In the drawing-room hand the guest a 
slip of paper containing the other half. In this way the 
seats at the table are found. The nutholders and ice- 
cream or ice cases are made of pink paper in rose shapes. 
Cases for the cream, standing on three wires twisted 
together and covered with green paper to make legs, 
are very dainty. As girls sometimes talk personalities 
and tell things best untold, a huge American beauty 
rose should be suspended over the dining-room in token 
of the fact that such was the ancient custom in Greece, 
the rose being the emblem of secrecy. Hence our oft 
used term sub rosa. 

FOR THE SWEET GIRL GRADUATE 

If one happens to live in a large city with access to 
an up-to-date book store, these ideas may not prove of 

[1021 



ENTERTAINING IN JUNE 

the same value as to the girl who must depend upon her 
own resources in making her *' Memory Book" for 
commencement. Have plain unruled paper cut into 
leaves at the printing-oflBce, with holes punched for 
binding together and tying on the covers. The latter 
may be of white silk, gay cretonne, or leather, as fancy 
dictates. On the outside write or print, in good-looking 
letters: *'A Day in June," then leave a leaf or two 
blank. Next have a page with a fancy outline around 
the place for the owner's picture, or, if it is to be a 
gift, for the recipient's likeness. Under this goes 
the signature. Have leaves for the class picture or 
individual photographs, with this quotation from 
Shakespeare at the top : 

"I count myself in nothing else so happy as in a soul 
remembering my good friends." 

Shakespeare. 

No doubt a picture of the school will be obtainable 
and on that page write this: '* Still sits the schoolhouse 
by the road." 

Whittier. 

For the pictures of teachers and principal what better 
quotation than this? "Taught thee each hour one 
thing or other." 

Shakespeare. 

Again we turn to the "immortal bard of Avon" for 
the sentiment to write over the space allotted to the 
class flower: "Hast thou the flower there? " 

The posy may be pressed and neatly pasted in, or 
painted in water-colors, thus making an ornamental 
decoration to the page. 

[103] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

Of course the class ''yeW must not be forgotten, and 
Shakespeare has: "With timorous a<icent and dire 
yell," or Longfellow furnishes: ''I should think your 
tongue had broken its chain." 

Class and school jokes will make interesting reading 
and a number of pages may be left for them, the chapter 
headed by Dean Swift's "A college joke to cure the 
dumps." 

If there is an essay, an oration, or class poem to be 
inserted, use this from 'Shakespeare at the hpad'of the 
page: ''To try thy eloquence now, 'tis time." 

In the years to conae^nosj^age. will prove m^re interest- 
ing than the one devoted to samples of the commence- 
ment gown and those worn at the week's festivities. 
Here Tennyson comes in with an apt quotation: "And 
in a commencement gown that clad her like an April 
daflFodiUy." 

On the last two pages arrange the foUc^yig quota- 
tions with the heading: 

From School Life into Life's School 

Study .-S* .Tim. 2:15 

Clean Ps. 24:3-4 

Honest 2 Cor. 8:21 

Order 1 Cor. 14:14 

Obey Acts 5:29 

f Prov. 10:12 
Love 1 Peter 4:8 

lEph. 4:30-32 

I wish space would permit my writing out in full, but 
it will be more fun for you each one to look them up, 
[104] 



ENTERTAINING IN JUNE 

and it will be good work after dinner today. At the 
end, before writing ''Finis," put this from Jean Ingelow: 
" I am glad to think I am not bound to make the world 
go round, but only to discover and to do with cheerful 
heart the work that God appoints." 

The water-marked or moire white, pink, and blue 
papers make pretty bindings for the books. These 
are only suggestions, but I think every graduate should 
have a folio something like this, just for the pleasure 
that it will give in the years to come. We all need 
reminders, and our children's children will enjoy these 
accounts of what we once did and said. It is difficult 
to realize that we are making history each day. Before 
we realize it, our present will be our past and we will 
be singing : '' Backward, turn backward, O Time in your 
flight." 

A CLASS DAY ENTERTAINMENT 

The members of a senior class just before graduation 
gave their fellows a most charming evening as a ''fare- 
well." The entire class participated and co-operated in 
arranging a series of *'life" pictures which they did in 
pantomime. I can give only the outline, for such 
things must be worked out individually with all the 
local color to make them entertaining. The first scene 
was "The Beginning of the Year." One can imagine 
the girls and boys arriving, some with suit cases, the 
janitor with a trunk on his shoulder, the hand-shaking, 
the few tears shed by a homesick one, etc. 

Scene two may be *'The Initiation," with weird red 
and blue lights, a goat dimly outlined, and the trembling 
victims. 

[105] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

"The Spread" will be an especially interesting pic- 
ture, with pickle bottles, cheese, and fudge and the 
participants in grotesque costumes. 

After this should come "The OflBce," with the culprit 
in dejection before a stern "head master." If there has 
been a notable school victory in athletic games, this 
will make another picture, with pennants, yells, and 
ribbons in evidence. A "Sleigh Ride" makes another 
attractive scene or any portrayal of an especially in- 
teresting happening. At last show "The Farewell," 
the members of the class saying good-by to the principal 
and teachers as they softly sing the class song. The 
setting for all these pictures should be carefully worked 
out, and I assure you the work will be well worth while. 
We are just beginning to wake up to the value of 
pantomime. The popularity of moving pictures will 
continue, and I am glad to say they are fast becoming 
one of our greatest educational factors. 

A FLAG DAY PARTY 

The fourteenth day of June is Flag Day, — the 
anniversary of that memorable day on which Mrs. 
Betsy Ross presented to George Washington the first 
flag bearing the stars and stripes. Entertainments on 
this day are usually for children who should be made to 
realize early in life what the flag means to us and to 
learn the story of its origin. For a childrens' party on 
this day hang flags everywhere. Provide a wee one 
for each child to wear. Show the little guests the 
flags of other nations. Webster's Dictionary shows 
them all, and sets of foreign flags in envelopes are 
obtainable in the shops. Have a program of patriotic 

[106] 



ENTERTAINING IN JUNE 

songs. Children love to sing them. Serve ice-cream 
m small flag-decorated boxes and have wee cakes with 
a flag stuck in the white icing. 

A LUNCHEON FOR GRADUATES 

A MOTHER who had a daughter among the gradu- 
ates planned this unusually pretty affair. The 
class flower was the marguerite or common field 
daisy, which grows wild in such abundance. A low 
graduated mound of daisies was the centerpiece. 
Around this a procession of dolls in caps and gowns 
made a circle. A favor novelty company made the 
cunning little figures, but they may be made easily at 
home, using black crepe paper for the gowns. One 
may be purchased for a sample. Those used on this 
occasion were coupled together by a chain of small 
daisies and smilax, making a rope. By keeping the 
daisies in water overnight before making the chain they 
retained their freshness all through the afternoon. 

The place cards were long and narrow with a sepia 
sketch at the top representing the full moon over a 
bit of water, with several tall trees. The following 
exquisite lines by Guiterman were used: 

When bronze-limbed hunters tented here, 

Revolving ** moons" made up their year; 

Sweet April, month of spring delights. 

They called "The Moon of Sparkling Nights," 

"The Moon of Leaves" was May; "The Moon 

Of Strawberries" was laughing June; 

Amid September's gathered sheaves 

They blessed "The Moon of Falling Leaves," 

[107] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

While chill November's time they knew 
As "Moon of Snowshoes." Then to you 
I'll wish a "Moon of Golden Days, 
A Moon of Apple Blossom Ways." 

UNIQUE AFFAIR FOR A JUNE BRIDE 

As each month comes with its charms I think "what 
a glorious time for a wedding," but June with its wealth 
of roses, its freshness of green, and all the frilly frocks 
that go with the beginning of summer, I am sure is the 
bride's very own month. 

This description of a party given by twenty-four 
girls for a bride-elect is certainly unusual and it was all 
carried out so beautifully. 

The girls knew that "Dolly's" room in the "new 
house" was to be in pink. So what do you think this 
was? A "furnishing bee." They didn't know what 
else to call it. The hostess took the bride-elect shopping 
with her and adroitly selected lovely rose cretonne, 
apparently for herself. When the girls came, each 
brought a pink rose for "Dolly," then the hostess said 
she had work for all, as she needed help in what had 
proved to her too great an undertaking for one person. 

As if by magic every one set to work. Pins, scissors, 
thimbles, paste, tacks, and boxes were on hand and 
the bride-elect remarked all unsuspecting that when 
she went to housekeeping she thought she would have 
just that kind of a party and get her room furnished. 
Two sewing machines were at hand, and the hostess' 
mother offered her services at stitching long seams. 

At five o'clock the maid appeared with glasses of rose 
punch with a short-stemmed pink rose on each plate. 

[108] 



ENTERTAINING IN JUNE 

These the girls at once put in their hair. The cakes 
were iced with pink and sprinkled with pink candied 
rose petals. They were really too pretty to eat. 

Now here is the result of the afternoon's work: A 
bed spread with valance, a set of boxes, bureau and 
chiffonier covers, two chair cushions, wastepaper basket, 
and a hat box. "Many hands make quick work" was 
never better exemplified. 

At six o'clock in a graceful little speech the hostess, 
in behalf of the guests, presented the gifts to ** Dolly," 
who was completely taken by surprise. 

I think I never heard of a nicer shower. Each girl 
contributed a stated sum, fifty cents I think, and the 
hostess had all in readiness. Each girl brought what 
she needed to help make the pieces she was best fitted 
to do, and the boxes to be covered were all ready to 
work on. 

FOR JUNE BRIDES 

At a limcheon at which the tables were set on the 
large screened porch the guests found their partners 
in this way: Rose-decorated cards were passed by the 
hostess' little daughter who was dressed as Cupid, 
with a crown of rosebuds. She carried a little gilt 
basket of roses which she distributed with the cards. 
On the cards were the halves of quaint wedding rimes 
— old-time prophecies — the first line on one card, the 
second on another, the roses on the two cards matching 
in color. Matching the roses and completing the jingles 
made much merriment and was a splendid mixer, as 
several of the guests were out-of-town girls. 

The verses and the menu are given. The latter was 

[109] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

unusually attractive. It was to be a pink wedding, so 
the hostess carried out that color scheme as far as 
possible and wore a white frock over a pink silk slip 
with a pink hair bow tied coquettishly at one side. 

Wedding Rimes 

1. Marry when the year is new. 
Always loving, kind, and true. 

2. When February birds do mate. 
You may wed, nor dread your fate. 

3. If you wed when March winds blow, 
Joy and sorrow both you'll know. 

4. Marry in April when you can, 
Joy for maiden and for man. 

5. Marry in the month of May, 
You will surely rue the day. 

6. Marry when June roses blow, 
Over land and sea you'll go. 

7. They who in July do wed, 

Must labor always for their bread. 

8. Whoever wed in August be, 
Many a change are sure to see. 

9. Marry in September's shine, 
Your living will be rich and fine. 

10. If in October you do marry, 
Love will come, but riches tarry. 
[110] 



ENTERTAINING IN JUNE 

11. If you wed in bleak November, 
Only joy will come, remember. 

12. WTien December's snows fall fast. 
Marry, and true love will last. 

On each table was a gilt basket loosely filled with 
pink roses, a fluffy bow of pink tulle tied on the 
handle. Lobster patties ^ath green peas in timbals, 
potato croquettes, hot buttered finger rolls made 
very small, salted nuts in pink paper cases, tomato 
and cucumber salad TN-ith hot cheese balls, cherry 
sherbet served in pink rose cases, pink and white 
iced, ring-shaped cakes, indi\ddual rose-shaped bon- 
bons m pink holders, and iced tea in tall glasses, a 
sprig of mint in each glass. 

It was all so cool and pretty, such a seasonable affair. 
Just twelve guests were seated at three card tables. 
After the limcheon an informal game of bridge was 
played, the hostess giving the gilt baskets filled ^ath 
roses as prizes. 

"TOASTS" FOR THE BRIDE 

Drink: to me only w^th thine eyes, 

And I \sT.ll pledge with mine; 
Or leave a kiss within the cup. 

And I'll not ask for wine. 
The thirst that from the soul doth rise 

Doth ask a drink divine; 
But might I of Jove's nectar sip, 

I would not change from thine. 

Ben Jonson. 

[Ill] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

A good wife and health 
Are a man's best wealth. 

What's a table richly spread 
Without a woman at its head? 

Disguise our bondage as we will, 
'Tis a woman rules us still. 

Moore. 

A perfect woman, nobly planned, 
To warn, to comfort, and command. 

Wordsworth. 

As for women, though 

We scorn and flout 'em, 
We may live with, but not 

Without them. 

To those who know thee not. 

No words can paint! 
And those who know thee know 

All words are faint. 

Here's to the prettiest. 

Here's to the wittiest. 

Here's to the truest of all who are true. 

Here's to the sweetest one. 

Here's to them all in one — here's to you. 

May her voyage through life be as happy and free 
As the dancing waves on the deep blue sea. 

Here's to the tears of friendship. May they crystal- 
lize as they fall and be worn as gems in the memory of 
those we love. 

[112] 



ENTERTAINING IN JUNE 

He knew whose gentle hand was at the latch 
Before the door had given her to his eyes. 

Keats. 

How much dearer the wife is than the bride. 

Lord Lyttleton. 

What is there in the vale of life 

Half so delightful as a wife, 

When friendship, love, and peace combine 

To stamp the marriage bond divine? 

COWPEB. 

Two souls with but a single thought 
Two hearts that beat as one. 

For nothing lovelier can be found 

In woman than to study household good, 

And good works in her husband to promote. 

Milton. 

All other goods by fortune's hand are given, 
A wife is the peculiar gift of heaven. 

Pope. 

The game of life looks cheerful when one carries a 
treasure safe in his heart. 

Schiller. 

Happiness seems made to be shared. 

She who ne'er answers till a husband cools. 
Or, if she rules him, never shows she rules; 
Charms by accepting, by submitting sways. 
Yet has her humor most when she obeys. 

Pope. 

[1131 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

All that is brightest and best 

May it be given to you. 
Pleasures of work and of rest, 

Pleasures of old and of new. 

J. R. Gregg. 

A long life and a happy life, 

With friends fond and true, 
Abundant health and plenty of wealth, 

Is the wish we bring to you. 

Dame Curtsey. 

May the joys of today be those of tomorrow; 
The goblets of Life hold no dregs of sorrow. 

Wagstaff. 

The world well tried, the sweetest thing in life 
Is the unclouded welcome of a wife. 

N. P. Willis. 

Be thou the rainbow to the storms of life. 
The evening beam that smiles the cloud away 
And tints tomorrow with prophetic ray. 

Byron. 

But happy they, the happiest of their kind ! 
Whom gentler stars unite, and in one fate 
Their hearts, their fortunes, and their being blend. 

Thompson. 

"I'm sorry that I spelled the word; 

I hate to go above you. 
Because" — the brown eyes lower fell — 
"Because, you see, I love you!" 

Whittier. 
[114] 



ENTERTAINING IN JUNE 

God, the best maker of all marriages, 
Combine your hearts in one. 

Henry V. 

JUNE WEDDING DECORATION 

A BRIDE-TO-BE planned this pretty decoration for her 
wedding, which took place in June. The ceremony 
was performed at four o'clock on the velvety, green 
lawn. An arch was built, covered with vines, from 
which hung wedding bells made of pink roses. They 
were filled with pink rose petals and buds held in place 
by pink tissue paper, from which hung broad streamers 
of pink tulle held by the bridesmaids. 

Immediately after the ceremony the ribbons were 
pulled, releasing the fragrant pink leaves and literally 
showering the young couple with love's own color, 
fulfilling the old saying, "Shower the bride with roses." 
It is needless to say that pink was the color scheme 
throughout and roses were the flower for the entire 
bridal party, the difference being that those for the 
bride were arranged in a shower and those for the maids 
in old-fashioned nosegays in fancy paper-holders. 

This idea could be charmingly worked out with apple 
blossoms, or lilacs and sweet peas. If the weather is 
not sufficiently warm for an outdoor ceremony, arches 
are easily built in the house. 

CONTEST FOR A ROSE LUNCHEON 

Thanks to the florist's skill we do not have to wait 
for nature to provide us roses in the month of June, for 
if we only have the price, roses are with us always, of all 
shades and varieties. 

[115] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

A hostess who wished to honor a bride-elect, whose 
name is Rose, gave this charming aflfair. The cen- 
terpiece was bride's roses and each guest had a long- 
stemmed pink bridesmaid's rose at her place. The 
place cards were rose-shaped with "Gather the rosebuds 
while ye may" done in gold letters above the name and 
date. Afterward they had this contest, and the prizes 
were rambler roses in pots, which were set in rose-colored 
wicker baskets: 

1. What rose is never seen on a rolling stone? (Moss 
rose.) 

2. What rose blooms in a girl's cheek? (Maiden's 
blush.) 

3. What rose can you drink? (Tea rose.) 

4. What is the wandering rose? (Rambler.) 

5. What is the aspiring rose? (Climber.) 

6. What rose is like a popular book? (Red.) 

7. What rose would you mention should you burn 
your finger? (Yellow.) 

8. What rose flashes in the sky? (Meteor.) 

9. Which rose is the principal feature of weddings ? 
(Bride rose.) 

10. Which rose is a vegetable? (Cabbage rose.) 

11. Which rose bears the name of a country? (La 
France rose.) 

12. Which two roses were famed in history? (Red 
Rose and White Rose.) 

13. Which rose should Americans honor? (Ameri- 
can beauty rose.) 

14. Which rose bears the name of a spice? (Cinna- 
mon rose.) 

[116] 



ENTERTAINING IN JUNE 

15. Which bears the name of a city in America and 
the name of a popular beauty? (Baltimore Belle.) 

16. \\Tiich rose is a perfume? (Musk rose.) 

17. Which is a beautiful hnen? (Damask rose.) 

18. Which a brave general? (Marechal Niel.) 

THE DAISY CHAIN 

This is a good stunt for little girls from six to eight 
years old to do on the closing day at school. They 
should be dressed in white, with garlands of daisies and 
wreaths of daisies on their heads. Let them sing this 
verse to the tune of ''The Old Oaken Bucket." 

"How dear to my heart are the scenes of my childhood, 

WTien fond recollections present them to view; 
The orchard, the meadow, the deep-tangled wildwood," 

And all the broad fields, where the T\41d daisies grew. 
How eager we gathered the fair, blooming flowers 

And plucked off their petals our fortunes to tell; 
Or quickly in garlands we wove them for bowers 

Or wreathed them for crownlets youth's beauty to 
swell. 

Chorus 

The daisy, the daisy, the bright blooming daisy, 
The white-petaled daisy, we all love so well. 

FAVORS FOR AN EMBROIDERY CLUB 

An embroidery club about to disband for the summer 
was entertained at a delightful luncheon for which the 
hostess had made unique and appropriate favors. She 
took the rims off of tiny pill boxes and gilded them, 
making miniature embroidery hoops in which she 

[117] 



THE x\RT OF ENTERTAINING 

inserted bits of fine linen. Upon this she had daintily 
worked the initials of her guests. 



A CLOVER LUNCHEON 

A CITY visitor at a suburban home went for a walk 
and when she returned brought her hostess a large bunch 
of red clovers with a number of white clovers which 
were tinted a most exquisite pink. They were placed 
in a brown basket and were so effective that a clover 
luncheon was planned at once. The result was that 
six guests received invitations written with white 
ink on green cardboard clovers, asking them to "come 
early and wear shirtwaist suits." The table cen- 
terpiece was a glass bowl filled with pink and white 
clover blossoms and a profusion of beautiful leaves. 
The cloth was sprinkled with these fragrant pink and 
white blossoms. Clover chains, made by the small 
daughter of the hostess, hung from the overhead light 
to the four corners of the table. 

Real four-leafed clovers pasted on white cards bore 
the name at each plate. 

This appetizing menu was served: Iced cantaloup, 
creamed fish in ramekins, Saratoga chips, pear salad, 
cheese wafers, bar-le-duc, coffee, sherbet, small cakes, 
nuts, bonbons, and iced grape juice. 

After luncheon there was a search for four-leafed 
clovers in the broad fields surrounding the house, and 
on the return the hostess served tiny hot biscuits with 
tea and clover honey on the porch. It is needless to 
say that all the guests went home wearing the good-luck 
clovers in their shoes. 

[118] 



ENTERTAINING IN JUNE 

FOR A SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT 

This little plan is very pretty and not difficult to 
carry out. It is called "Childhood's Happy Year." 
Select four girls about the same age and size to form 
each *' season." Make the costumes from crepe paper 
and represent "Spring" by green frocks with wreaths 
of green about the head, "Summer" with white frocks 
and crowns of roses, either real or artificial, and the 
gowns trimmed with garlands of small roses. "Au- 
tumn" should have broTVTi dresses, wdth fall leaves 
in red and brown tints, and "Winter" all white with 
holly wreaths and mistletoe, or red dresses trimmed in 
cotton. 

"Spring" should enter first, march to the front of 
platform, and sing the first verse of the following song, 
which is easy to sing to the tune of "Swinging 'neath 
the Old Apple Tree." At the end of the lines two of 
the girls turn to the right and two to the left and march 
down the sides joining at the back in a line. "Sum- 
mer," "Autumn," and "Winter" follow, a group at a 
time. Each group sings a verse and marches as did 
"Spring," taking its place at the back behind the pre- 
ceding "season." This retains "Spring" at the front. 
Then all join hands forming a circle. They sing the 
chorus through and march oflE in single file, "Spring" 
leading. It is really very effective. 

Happy Childhood's hours. 
With the budding flowers. 
With the warbling songsters 
In leafy trees; 

[119] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

When the earth rejoices, 
Glad we join our voices, 
Happy in the spring are we. 

Chorus 

Happy Childhood! Happy Childhood! 
Singing all the day right merrily; 
Happy Childhood! Happy Childhood! 
Happy all the year are we. 

In the summer weather 
Glad we are together, 
Chasing little butterflies 

While on the wing; 
Ringing 'roimd o' rosies, 
Gathering sweetest posies, 

Happy in the summer as in spring. 

Chorus 

When the winds are sighing 
And the leaves are dying 
Opening prickling burrs 

'Neath chestnut trees — 
Merrily we're racing 
In the air so bracing 

Happy in the autumn breeze. 

Chorus 

When Jack Frost is nipping 
Still we're gaily sipping 
All the sweetness stored throughout the year 
[ 120 ] 



ENTERTAINING IN JUNE 

So, with cheeks aglowing 
Welcome we the snowing 
Winter brings us all good cheer. 

Chorus 

A TRIP TO EUROPE 

Play this exactly like the old game of "Conse- 
quences." Each player must have a small pad that 
will fit in an envelope and a pencil, each sheet on the 
pad to be numbered, say up to thirty-five. The name 
of the guest is written at the top of the pad and they 
are passed in envelopes. The hostess reads the first 
of the following questions and the players write the 
answers. The slip is put back in the envelope and 
passed to the next neighbor. As no one sees the pre- 
vious answers the results when all are read are amusing 
in the extreme. Here are the questions : 

1. Date and place of sailing? 2. Steamer? 3. Line? 

4. Your most interesting acquaintance on steamer? 

5. Under what circumstances did you last see the per- 
son? 6. The most exciting event of the trip? 7. The 
most interesting sight during the voyage? 8. The first 
thing you sighted on approaching land? 9. Date and 
place of landing? 10. The first souvenir you pur- 
chased? 11. The first large city you visited? 12. 
Language the people spoke? 13. Characteristics of the 
people? 14. The most novel thing you had to eat? 
15. What building did you most admire? 16. What 
famous picture attracted you most? 17. By what 
noted artist is it? 18. What city did you next visit? 
19. On what lake or river is it? 20. What mountain 

[121] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

overlooks it? 21. To what place did you take a coach- 
ing trip? 22. Whom did you meet there? 23. Where 
were you going? 24. What city did you most enjoy 
visiting? 25. Why? 26. What had you forgotten to 
bring along which you most missed? 27. The most 
trying event of the trip? 28. What cablegram of five 
words called you home suddenly? 29. The nearest 
port for sailing? 30. How long did it take you to reach 
home? 31. What was the most attractive gift you 
brought home? 32. To whom did you bring it? 33. 
Who met you on the pier on your arrival? 34. What 
did you try to smuggle in? 35. How did you feel about 
getting back? 

This is a good entertainment to use at a farewell party 
for a friend who is going to Europe. Try it, even if it 
isn't a "good-by" affair. It is a contest every one 
enjoys and the results are always laughable. 

FRIENDSHIP TOASTS 

At this season the college lads and lassies have many 
gay times, with dinners and parties galore. 

Toasts are always in order and the first one given is 
one that college boys like: 

Here's to the friends we've loved the best, 
The songs we've sung and the lips we've pressed. 
The ankle neat and the figure trim, 
And the bubbles that dance o'er the sparkling brim. 
To maidens dark and maidens fair. 
The eternal feminine everywhere; 
And the face that floats in a mystic gaze 
Through all the dreams of our college days. 
[122] 



ENTERTAINING IN JUNE 

A friendship strong and true and sweet, 
Most sacred, holy, and complete. 

With here and there a sunbeam's shine, 
A moment's dream of joy divine. 

Then heaven for all eternity — 
For thee and me, for thee and me. 

A few days more, a few more years, 
A comradeship that lights and cheers, 

A little waiting by the way, 
Until the closing of the day. 

Then heaven for all eternity — 
For thee and me, for thee and me. 

Here's health to you and wealth to you. 
Honors and gifts a thousand strong; 

Here's name to you and fame to you. 
Blessing and joy a whole life long. 

But, lest bright fortune's star grow dim, 
And sometime cease to move to you, 

I fill a bumper to the brim 

And pledge a lot of love to you! 

Here's to the heart that's always true. 
To eyes of black or eyes of blue, 
To friendship old or friendship new — 
To the one it loves, be it me or you. 

Life as we've found it 
And frolicked around it. 
Life with its many-hued bliss. 

[123] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

Griefs — they're soon over, 

Love, blessed rover, 

Turns them to joys with a kiss! 

Here's to the merry old world 

And the days, be they bright or blue, 
Here's to the Fates — let them bring what they may — 

But the best of them all — that's you. 
To the old, long life and treasure; 
To the young, all health and pleasure. 

Turn failure into victory. 
Don't let your courage fade, 

And if you get a lemon 
Just make the lemon aid. 

TO A FRIEND OR TWO 

Then brim the goblet and quaff the toast. 

To a friend or two; 
For glad the man who can always boast 

A friend or two; 
The fairest sight is a friendly face. 
The blithest tread is a friendly pace. 
And heaven will be a better place 

For a friend or two. 

W. D. Nesbit. 

A STEAMER LETTER ** SHOWER" 

As people usually rush to Europe during the summer 
in perfect swarms, one hears constantly of the ''steamer 
letter." This may consist of almost anything, from 
the ordinary letter mailed to the steamer for the day 

[124] 



ENTERTAINING IN JUNE 

of sailing to mammoth bouquets, huge baskets of 
fruit, boxes of candy, and presents of all kinds. A 
steamer letter ** shower" was given at a luncheon 
for a young woman on the day previous to her de- 
parture. There were so many novel and useful things 
I am certain that some of the ideas will be acceptable 
to my readers. 

The table centerpiece was a toy boat flying the flag 
of the Une on which the guest was to sail. The place 
cards were postals which afterward were mailed by 
the traveler back to the luncheon guests. They were 
all stamped ready for maiHng en route. Each guest 
brought a parcel or letter with written instructions 
as to when it was to be opened. At sea the days are 
often monotonous and anything is doubly welcome 
that savors of home and far-away friends. There 
were ten guests, and as the girl was to sail on a "slow" 
boat there was a surprise for each day. There was a 
glass jar containing salted nuts (dampness spoils nuts, 
so when given for an occasion of this kind, always seal 
air-tight) and a jar each of hard peppermints and lime 
drops. Another hint: Chocolate and French bon- 
bons are not very satisfactory sweets to carry on an 
ocean voyage, as they crush and melt too easily. 

This traveler was to spend her birthday on board, 
and a tin box contained a small cake ornamented 
with candied cherries and a tiny candle *'to grow on." 
Then there was a good-sized box of candied ginger; a 
** Memory Book" to hold menus, tickets, checks, cards, 
etc.; Japanese hand warmers to slip in the capacious 
pockets of an ulster, and which were to prove an un- 
speakable luxury; a box of ballroom pencils to go in 

[125] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

the chatelaine bag; and a small cup attached to a flask 
completing the list of the most acceptable gifts. The 
hostess gave twin pillows of blue denim embroidered 
with initials in white for use on the steamer chair. 
The most unique gift was a bag such as children use 
to carry their schoolbooks in, which was to hang on 
the side of the chair to hold books and magazines — 
in fact, a regular "catchall" — and this bag the girl 
said would be a treasure, for it prevented one's belong- 
ings from becoming scattered and provided against 
things being accidentally *' picked" up. 

A FAREWELL GOOD-LUCK PARTY 

This is the description of a merry party given by a 
neighborhood crowd of yoimg people in honor of two 
of their set who were going away for a year's absence. 
The invitations were decorated with good-luck symbols, 
such as horseshoes, four-leafed clovers, wishbones, 
etc. When all had arrived the hostess passed halves 
of gilt cardboard horseshoes, each cut at a different 
angle. When a perfect horseshoe was made by a 
couple they were partners to hunt new pennies which 
were hidden throughout the lower part of the house. 
This was a good starter and the couple which brought 
back the most coppers in their little silk bags received 
a box of candy decorated with a huge gilded horseshoe. 
Next, cards were passed with the words "Good Luck" 
at the top, and a prize was given to the one making 
the most words in twenty minutes. The refreshments 
consisted of ice-cream frozen in the shape of four- 
leafed clovers and cakes which were horseshoe-shaped. 
The place cards were ornamented with gilded wish- 

[126] 



ENTERTAINING IN JUNE 

bones. Each guest took home a bright new penny for 
a good-luck pocket piece. 

The table centerpiece was a low brass bowl filled 
with forget-me-nots and maidenhair fern and sur- 
rounded by a large gold horseshoe cut out of cardboard. 
The going-away guests were presented with Uttle stick- 
pins in the shape of wishbones with tint pearls. 



[127] 



ENTERTAINING IN JULY, AUGUST, 
AND SEPTEMBER 



ENTERTAINING IN JULY, AUGUST, AND 
SEPTEMBER 




A JULY LUNCHEON 

SUMMER hostess featured her 
luncheon by having this charming 
quatrain at the head of her place 
cards: 

A rustle of corn leaves, a tingle of 
bells on the hills, 
A bevy of bees when the clover hangs heavy, 
A butterfly plundering by. 
And that is July. 

The flower for the month is the lily, so the center- 
piece was of these pure white blossoms and all the 
dishes were white. No candles were used, all the guests 
wore white, and the electric fan cooled the atmosphere 
so that every one was cool. It did not seem like a 
midsummer function. Iced bouillon was served first, 
then breast of chicken with mushrooms and potatoes, 
cut in wee balls with butter and chopped parsley. 
There was a cucumber and potato salad with crushed 
ice. For dessert a delicious pineapple and raspberry 
ice served in a pineapple mold. 

[131] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

MENU FOR AN OUTDOOR SUPPER 

This July Fourth supper was a grand success. 
First, there was a cantaloup cut in half by a man who 
was dubbed "the knight of the knife." Then there 
were sandwiches of minced ham mixed with mayon- 
naise and chopped pickles, sandwiches of sliced chicken, 
and plain raisin brown bread sandwiches; deviled 
eggs and potato salad garnished with beets, bottles of 
oUves, iced tea (the ice brought from the house), ginger 
and white cookies and delicious httle frosted chocolate 
cakes. The corn and potatoes, cooked over the fire, 
made the heavy portion of the repast. For the finale 
there was a huge watermelon, and afterward a 
marshmallow roast over the dying beach fire. 

A STAR HUNT 

Try this plan to make fun on July Fourth, especially 
if you have a bunch of youngsters to entertain: Let 
the children cut out a quantity of white paper stars 
about the size of a silver dollar, then hide them broad- 
cast over the lawn, under shrubbery, in the garden, 
everywhere. Provide two pieces of blue cambric, a 
yard long, and choose two leaders. The children may 
"count out" for this honor or lots may be drawn. 
Then the rest hunt the stars, having been divided in 
two "squads" by the leaders or captains. A time limit 
is given, say twenty minutes or a haK hour, and the 
side that finds and pins on the most stars in that period 
wins in the great star hunt. 

Prizes may be awarded. There are so many novelty 
candy boxes symbohc of the Fourth that a hostess 

[132] 



ENTERTAINING IN JULY 

will have no trouble in finding suitable rewards at any 
price. 

A FOURTH OF JULY TEA 

A HOSTESS who has a home with spacious porches 
invited a number of her friends to a Fourth of July- 
tea. The card read "from five until midnight." 

There was a buflFet supper, consisting of cold chicken, 
salad, sandwiches of various kinds, deviled eggs, and 
a most delicious sherbet made by crushing red currants, 
straining the juice, mixing with lemonade, and freezing. 
It was served in tall glasses on blue plates. The cake 
was star-shaped, ornamented with thirteen red candles. 
The chocolate creams were wrapped to resemble 
torpedoes. 

There was dancing on a platform erected on the lawn 
and fireworks to brighten the sky and show the proper 
patriotism demanded at this season. 

A JULY FOURTH LUNCHEON 

More and more people are getting to the country 
by the Fourth, and those who cannot go perma- 
nently try to go for the day. 

A hostess who opened her suburban home for that 
day asked six friends with their f amihes for an informal 
party. 

The children had a picnic luncheon on the lawn, 
while their elders were served on the broad veranda. 
The centerpiece was a giant firecracker constructed 
from cardboard covered with red paper. A silk flag 
floated from the top, and streamers of red, white, and 
blue ribbons went from the top to each place. At 

[133] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

the base of the "cracker" there was a small cannon. 
There were tiny silk flags to adorn the hair of the ladies 
and for the men to put in their buttonholes. As this 
was a very informal affair, the table cloth and napkins 
were of paper, decorated with flags and the national 
colors. A fruit mixture in tall glasses tied with tri- 
colored ribbon was served first. The lamb chops were 
gay with red, white, and blue papers. Instead of the 
conventional mint sauce it was frozen, ornamented 
with a sprig of fresh mint. The salad was tomatoes 
and cucumbers served on blue plates. Strawberry 
sherbet with a spoonful of whipped cream on top was 
the dessert. Small cakes baked in specially made tin 
tubes, iced in red and a bit of jute string inserted at 
the top, made very eatable firecrackers. 

Red, white, and blue candies completed the menu, 
with plenty of iced drinks. 

SWEET PEA PARTY 

A DEAR little maid of six, who rejoices in a July 
birthday, celebrated by sending out invitations like 
this: 

Please come to my Sweet Pea Tea, 
On Tuesday exactly at three. 
July sixth. 
Marjory Benton. 

These cards were daintily decorated with sweet 
peas done in water-colors and sent by mail. Do you 
know a large share of the joy to children is receiving 
mail? The game was a flower guessing contest done 
in this way: On a table were a number of blossoms. 

[134] 



ENTERTAINING IN JULY 

The children were told to walk around it three times 
and then write down on slips of paper the names of as 
many flowers as they could remember. A prize of a 
box of buttercups was given to the guests who had the 
longest list. 

FOR A PORCH PARTY 

When a hostess finds it necessary to remain in town 
during the summer, the porch party is a substitute for 
suburban entertaining. Life in the open is acknowl- 
edged as the natural heritage of man and in these days 
even the rear porches of apartments are being utilized. 
They may be transformed into most attractive corners 
by Japanese screens and the substantial porch furniture 
of rattan. Articles made from the latter are easily 
kept clean and may be washed and painted so as to 
be fresh each spring. "Thimbles" is usually written 
on porch party invitations and much dainty work is 
accomplished in this way. Shirtwaist suits are worn 
and everything is very informal. A punch bowl filled 
with ice and some refreshing concoction is generally 
close at hand, from which the guests serve themselves 
as they wish. 

Serve lemon sandwiches, which are made by wrap- 
ping the bread and butter with lemon peel overnight. 
Chop some parsley and water cress very fine, moisten 
with lemon juice, and spread between very thin slices 
of bread. Have lemon frappe in the punch bowl, 
then serve lemon jelly with whipped cream in tall 
sherbet glasses. With the Russian tea pass preserved 
lemon peel. This will be found a very cool and appetiz- 
ing menu for a hot afternoon. 

[135] 



THE ART OP ENTERTAINING 

The hostess may read some entertaining short story 
aloud and if any one sings, some parlor ballads would 
help entertain, but it all must be very informal. 

A GARDEN "SHOWER'' 

"Tea in the garden" is apt to be found on many 
cards during the summer when we endeavor to spend 
all our waking hours, and some of us our sleeping ones, 
out in the open. It was a clever little woman who 
supplied me with a new idea to suggest for a garden 
" shower " for the bride who was to begin her married 
Ufe in a suburban home. She waited until "they" were 
in the new house and then called up about a dozen 
intimate friends. Her plan was for each one to get 
a thrifty shrub or plant. Then they would all meet 
and go up to "Bess's" for the afternoon. A relative 
would see to it that the bride was at home. Such fun 
as they had, planting their offerings! Tea was served 
and a jolly trip back to town was accomplished before 
dark. New householders in the country, even if not 
brides, would appreciate this kind of a "shower." 

OPEN AIR CARD PARTIES 

Like Tennyson's little brook, bridge apparently 
"goes on forever." On warm days morning parties 
are quite the thing, with a luncheon served at one, the 
party beginning at eleven, or the luncheon is served 
at one, the game following on the porch or lawn. For 
these outdoor affairs camp chairs are used, rugs are 
spread, and iced drinks are served at intervals during 
the game. 

It is a pretty fancy to use cards with outdoor scenes 

[136] 



ENTERTAINING IN JULY 

or "landscape" backs, I believe they are called, diflferent 
styles at each table. 

At one outdoor party the prizes were all rustic 
baskets filled with flowers and fruit. At another the 
hostess gave each guest a Japanese flower-holder in 
metal, and the prizes were green pottery bowls, just 
right for the holders. It is now quite the thing to 
carry out in decoration and prizes a definite color 
scheme, or prizes and favors to correspond. At one 
porch party of four tables the hostess gave each guest 
a dainty apron, and the four prizes were elaborate hand- 
made aprons. Hanging baskets and wall receptacles 
filled with flowers add much to the beauty of the porch. 



[137] 



A SEASIDE PARTY IN AUGUST 




"L^F not fortunate enough to spend a 
few weeks by the ocean when this 
party may be given, perhaps we 
have been there "some time" and 
brought home a quantity of shells. 

rAt any rate I want to describe this 
novel aJBFair given on the birthday 
of an eight-year-old girl. 

The invitations were written on little clam shells, 
scrubbed clean. The lettering was clear and distinct. 

Fish nets, crab nets, fishing poles of bamboo, with 
flags and boat pennants made the decorations. 

The table was lovely with a huge oval pan (made by 
a tinsmith) in the center. Real sand made a beach 
with tiny shells, and at the corners there were large 
conch shells filled with flowers and vines. 

On the lake or sea were tiny boats with wee dolls 
for sailors. For place cards there were candy boxes 
in shape of oysters, crabs, lobsters, and fish, filled 
with hard candies in exact shape of shells. 

When refreshments were served the salted almonds 
were on mussel shells. The plates were large, round, 
almost flat shells, which came from the Pacific coast. 
Creamed salmon was served hot in shell ramekins. 
These shells were fluted and came from Florida. 

[138] 



ENTERTAINING IN AUGUST 

"Potatoes on the haK-shell" were scooped-out baked 
potatoes on large clam shells. Then, of course, there 
was ice-cream and a candle-lighted cake, each candle 
in a little shell anchored in the icing. A pretty contest 
consisted of stringing the beautiful little opalescent 
shells that come from Hawaii and are used so effectively 
for necklaces. The smaller children had a fish pond 
for their amusement. 

A SEASHORE SUPPER 

This farewell party was given by a favored few who 
met year after year '*at the shore." On this night 
the dining-room walls were hung with tennis nets in 
lieu of real fish nets, in which toy fish were caught. 
There were globes of live goldfish on the mantel and 
side board, and the centerpiece was certainly a work 
of art. There was a long mirror, the edges outlined 
with vines and moss. Two toy boats were apparently 
crossing the lake. On the shore of real sand on one 
side of the lake were pebbles (candy) and on the other 
side shells of deUcate pink and white, also of candy. 
A tiny tent was pitched at one end of the lake with 
a miniature hunter carrying a gun, and seated on the 
bank at the other end there was a fisherman with the 
tiniest of fishing baskets at his side. Tangled in some 
grasses by the lake were the most realistic lobsters 
imaginable. Each place card represented a different 
variety of fish. 

Frogs and turtles were scattered over the table cloth 
and the salad was served in shell-shaped candy boxes. 
Bamboo fish poles were interlaced across the ceiling, 
forming a canopy from which red lanterns containing 

[139] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

candles were suspended. Fish, clams, lobsters, and 
crabs were on the menu, with cantaloup for dessert. 

A RAINBOW PICNIC 

From our earliest childhood we have heard of the 
pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and many of us 
are still in quest of it. Remembering this, a mother 
planned a pleasing novelty when she asked fourteen 
guests to her little daughter's birthday picnic, which 
was held on the lawn one afternoon from three to five. 
She had made a canopy in the rainbow colors, red, 
orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, from strips 
of cloth, under which the basket luncheon was served. 
Then she provided beanbags in the same colors, with 
a board containing three different-sized openings, into 
which the bags could be thrown. This board was 
very much like an ironing board, one end elevated 
about three feet, the other resting on the ground. The 
large opening counted fifteen, the next ten, and the 
smallest one five. The game was to see who could 
make the best score with the seven bags. This amused 
the children for some time, as each one of the fourteen 
had to have a turn. Next there was a soap bubble 
blowing contest. A net made from seven narrow 
rainbow-hued strips of tarlatan was stretched and 
securely fastened. The children were divided into 
sides, seven in each. All were given pipes tied with a 
bow made from seven colors of baby ribbon. The 
game was for the first seven to try to blow bubbles 
over the net, the other side trying to prevent their 
going over by fanning them back with little palm leaf 
fans or breaking them with their pipes. The blowers 

[140] 



ENTERTAINING IN AUGUST 

were placed about four feet from the net and the 
*' fanners" an equal distance on the other side. The 
game was to see which side could blow ten bubbles 
over the net. There was a timekeeper, or rather an 
umpire. 

The most fun of all was when the hostess gave each 
child a sand shovel and told him to dig for the pot 
of gold. There was a fine big sandpile and the children 
went vigorously to work. Many treasures had been 
buried, but the finder of a small gilded pot was to be 
the lucky mortal, and a wee rose bud maiden of six 
was the fortunate one. The "pot" contained choco- 
late bonbons wrapped in gilt paper. They were the 
httle flat chocolates about the size of a cent. The 
children were delighted with the supper, which was 
daintily packed in baskets. Rugs were spread on the 
grass and they sat down in real picnic fashion and 
devoured the contents of the baskets, which were 
ornamented by rainbow ribbons on the handle. After 
the "eats" were gone the baskets served to take home 
the favors and prizes. Half the fun in going to a party 
is taking home the spoils. 



[141] 



FOR LABOR DAY 




HE first Monday in September, which 
to many is the end of the long sum- 
mer vacation, brings Labor Day 
for more reasons than one. 

At the luncheon here described the 
hostess was a young matron who 
was ''long" in the knowledge of the 
so-called fine arts, but was wofuUy lacking in the 
knowledge of what I call the "finer art" — viz., do- 
mestic science. Having been recently married and 
being desirous of doing for "Jack" just as "mother 
used to," only with modern approved methods, she 
asked six older housekeepers to come to luncheon on 
Labor Day, and the invitation stipulated that each 
one must be prepared to tell and perhaps illustrate 
a practical way of performing some household duty. 
The hostess provided cunning little books and pencils 
in which to note these discoveries. At each plate there 
were symbols of labor in miniature — tiny brooms, 
dustpans, tubs, etc. — and the favors were the cutest 
of sweeping caps and the most approved models of 
aprons, under which "little wife" might wear a much 
befrilled frock with perfect safety. The menu was 
made up from the recipe book prepared by "special 
friends," so the hostess felt sure of results and would 
not have to try them on "Jack" first. 
[ 142 ] 



ENTERTAINING IN SEPTEMBER 

The prizes for the best three items were, first, a 
new toaster for a gas stove; second, a set of bread 
knives; third, an improved lemon squeezer with a 
Uttle china pitcher to match for the juice. The hostess 
took this opportunity of showing off her new electric 
equipment and several dishes were prepared at the 
table. The place cards had this quotation: ''Learn 
to labor and to wait." The table centerpiece was 
a huge copper bowl filled with salvia. This brilliant 
flower is lovely for fall decorations. 

A TENNIS DINNER 

This pretty dinner was given at the close of a season 
for a tennis club. I say the close of the season, for 
while it was in September and still real summer weather, 
the parting of the ways had come, as the members 
were to be widely separated for at least a year. The 
long dining-room table was laid out like a "court" 
with very delicate green moss surrounded by a hedge 
of verbenas and delicate fern. The sections of the 
court were marked by narrow white satin ribbon, and 
across the court was a net made from coarse dress 
material known as fish net. The ends were fastened 
into white satin stakes, which were wooden meat 
skewers fastened in blocks of wood concealed by 
flowers. The place cards were racquets and the 
favors tiny wooden racquets, with deUcious ball-shaped 
bonbons piled on them. 



[143 



ENTERTAINING IN OCTOBER 



ENTERTAINING IN OCTOBER 



AN OCTOBER LUNCHEON 



The 
The 
And 



HOSTESS who returned from a sum- 
mer abroad gave this pretty aflFair, 
the place cards bearing this appro- 
priate verse: 

"Oh, sweet October, thy first breezes 
bring 

dry leaf's rustle and the squirrels' laughter, 
cool, fresh air whence health and vigor spring, 
promise of exceeding joy hereafter." 




The cards were studded with opalescent dots sup- 
posed to be opals set in a tracery of black, as the opal 
belongs to the golden month of October. The table 
was bare with a stunning set of doilies and centerpiece 
done in tans and browns, the work of Russian peasant 
women. 

Black-eyed Susans, now in their prime, and gorgeous 
leaves in reds and yellows were the only decorations, 
and they transformed the rooms into a perfect blaze 
of glory. "Concentrated sunshine" one of the guests 
exclaimed. 

The piece de resistance was what the hostess was 
pleased to call "scrapple." It was so delicious that 
she gave the recipe which follows: "One pound of 

[147] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

fresh pork, one pound of round steak, put through the 
chopper, boil until done, have enough water left on to 
take up corn meal to the mush consistency. Mold 
in a pan overnight. Slice thin, dip in cornmeal, and 
fry in hot lard or bacon grease." 

The platter was garnished with parsley and deviled 
eggs. Then there were scalloped tomatoes and green 
peppers in ramekins, with individual peach shortcakes 
for dessert. A novel feature was that four of the eight 
guests were born in October. 

ALL HALLOWE'EN 

October 31 is the day par excellence on which to 
entertain. There is almost no limit to the things 
to be done — luncheons, dinners, and evening parties 
can be made most unique, and the stores provide a 
charming array of novelties for favors, place cards, and 
decorative purposes. Then there is always the charm 
of mystery, the delving into the future for tokens of 
success in love affairs, and the surety that all omens 
will come true if tried on Hallowe'en in the dark of the 
moon at the witching hour of twelve. 

Two girls planned this charming party: 

The invitations were on red cardboard, lettered in 
black and ornamented with pen and ink sketches of 
witches, cats, owls, bats, brownies, cabbages, etc. 
They read: *' You are invited to come to the Sign of 
the Jack-o'-lantern on witch night at eight o'clock." 
A small boy bearing a staff on the top of which 
rested a grinning jack-o'-lantern delivered the invi- 
tations. He wore a white mask with the features 
marked on in red and black. 

[148] 



ENTERTAINING IN OCTOBER 

The hostesses were dressed as witches in black 
cambric robes ornamented with owls, toads, cats, etc., 
cut out of red cloth and appliqued on. Tall witches' 
caps and masks completed these weird costumes. All 
the black cats in the neighborhood had been borrowed 
for the occasion, while the rest of the animals suitable 
to this night were manufactured to fly from the ceiling 
by invisible threads. 

All the old-time charms, with apples, nuts, and tea 
grounds, were tried, and the dining-room was the scene 
of the greatest mystery of all. As midnight approached 
a gong rang out twelve solemn strokes and the door 
opened to reveal a red-covered table with broad black 
ribbons across it. A large stuffed owl was suspended 
in a tree bough by red and black ribbons from the 
overhead chandelier. "Pumpkin jacks" and candles 
furnished the only light, making the spiders, snakes, 
and toads, etc., crawling over the table, look grewsome 
enough. 

A tissue paper pumpkin rested on each plate with a 
tiny black cat perched upon it, and there were the 
dearest little tin kettles for holding the salted nuts. 
The usual refreshments were served, but the mystery 
cake was brought in with due pomp and ceremony. 
It was illuminated by red candles and stood on a platter 
surrounded by burning brandy in which large table 
raisins were scattered. As it was passed around, each 
guest attempted to get a raisin out of the flame. Only 
one chance was allowed. The gaining of the bit of 
fruit is supposed to bring good luck. This is called 
a "snapdragon" and is a very old custom. The 
cake contained a coin, ring, pen, thimble, a lucky 

[149] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

stone from the head of a sheepshead fish, and a 
rabbit's foot. 

HALLOWE'EN FUN 

Have you ever tried an "owl hunt"? To each 
guest give a wooden gun such as may be purchased 
at a toy shop for a few cents, and tell him to hunt 
owls. First, of course, these funny little gray paper 
owls decorated with water-colors must be hidden 
throughout the rooms. Ordinary gray owls count five, 
white owls count ten, and horned owls count fifteen. 
Each bird has a looped bit of red string tied through a 
punched hole, so it may be hung on the gun. This 
makes great sport, the one bagging the most owls 
and the one who has the fewest being awarded prizes. 

I have not tried this next plan myself, but am told 
that others have done so with great success. Fortunes 
may be written with milk on white paper, and when 
held over the heat of a lamp or gas jet the letters turn 
brown and the writing becomes perfectly plain. These 
fortune slips may be distributed by a little fairy. 
Each guest may then take her fortune into another 
room where a wizard is hidden. With the aid of his 
magic lamp he interprets the writing. This adds to 
the mystery of the party. 

Provide each guest with a neat bundle of faggots 
and tell him he must tell a mystery story while they 
burn. This is only practical where there is a large 
open fireplace around which the guests may gather. 
Have plenty of cushions and no light save perhaps a 
candle or "jack" here and there. If some of the 
guests have been asked to prepare for this part of the 

[150] 



ENTERTAINING IN OCTOBER 

program, so much the better, but many people do better 
on the spur of the moment. 

Making tissue paper pumpkin caps is a favorite 
stunt. The hostess provides stiff cardboard for the 
rims and plenty of orange crepe paper with some green 
paper and tubes of library paste, some coarse needles, 
and thread. This is especially good for young girls 
of twelve to fifteen, as they are just at the age when 
they love to make things. The caps are worn the rest 
of the evening. 

HALLOWE'EN ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT 

PARTY 

The following, I am sure, will be helpful to many, 
as it is a happy combination of a delightful Hallowe'en 
party and the announcement of an engagement. The 
invitations were a long scroll of brown paper upon 
which yellow pumpkins and corn stalks were done in 
water-colors. They read as follows: 

At the Sign of the Jack-o'-lantern, yellow and bright. 
We'll expect you sure on Saturday night. 
The oracles, fates, and hobgoblins, too. 
Are preparing a fate for you. 

Then followed the name of the hostess, the hour, and 
the date. These scrolls were rolled, tied with red and 
yellow ribbon, and fastened with a dab of sealing wax. 
The party was given in a country house and was the 
last function of the season. Boughs of autumn leaves 
decorated the huge living-room and, with tiny electric 
lights shining through the red and yellow foliage, made 
a beautiful scene. The outside porch lights were 

[ 151 ] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

incased in pumpkin "jacks" and there was a long row 
of jack-o'-lanterns down the drives. 

For refreshments there were individual pies, dough- 
nuts, coffee, sandwiches, popcorn, apples, and grapes. 

A few Hallowe'en tricks were going on as the guests 
assembled. Three ghosts followed each other silently 
through the throngs of merry young people. No one 
knew who they were, and the only man in the party 
who might have been expected to be present, as he 
was known to be fond of the sister of the hostess, 
was conspicuous by his absence. Suddenly the door 
knocker sounded in a vigorous fashion and a wizard 
in red, covered with spiders, frogs, toads, and Hzards, 
entered, followed by three ghosts. He walked through 
the rooms mumbling these words: 

I've come from Egypt, the land of the Nile, 

In search of a maiden who is surely worth while; 

She's dark and she's quick, she is right up to tricks; 

So illusive is she that it's quite up to me 

To find this fair creature with such a sweet nature. 

That she is sought far and near. 

All faces I scan, for her I must find; 

Of maids there are many, but few of the kind. 

The owl and the Hzard, the beetle and raven. 

All told me the people their way had taken 

To the Sign of the Jack-o'-lantern, so here I'll wait 

For the one who this night must find her fate. 

Excitement was high, every one talked at once, but 
none recognized the stranger. Another knock came 
and a tall ghost entered, saying these lines as he 

[152] 



ENTERTAINING IN OCTOBER 

"floated" through the great room followed by the 
three faithful henchmen: 

On this, the night when all ghosts walk, 

This once a year, when we're allowed to talk, 

I've come to find a maiden dear. 

For one who needs her his heart to cheer. 

Before the hour of twelve has struck 

I must be gone or I'll have no luck 

In getting out next year. 

I hope to come and find you here. 

If any wish a nap to take 

I bid you make haste, ere it is too late; 

For soon two souls will find their mate 

At the midnight hour they'll seal their fate. 

They left the crowd in awe-struck wonder. Every 
one felt there was something doing, but what.^ Again 
the knocker sounded and a queer little man hobbled 
in with a red and green lantern and a pickax over 
his shoulder. He peered into the faces, saying these 
lines: 

A hobgoblin old and grim am I, 

I delve in the earth, but I came to spy 

And into the affairs of men to pry. 

Before the knell of the night is told 

I must find the man who will help to mold 

The fate of a maiden, fond and true; 

I hope this night she'll never rue. 

I wish her well, but I cannot tell, 

For it's not yet time — I still must seek 

And go my way so slow and meek. 

[153] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

The three ghosts attended him, and all took their 
silent way out the door. While the wonder was still 
high a messenger came in and asked for the host. He 
bore a great envelope sealed with hearts, addressed to 
the bride's sister. The host read the letter, which was 
from Cupid's court then in session on Mount Olym- 
pus, saying that they had lost a soul from the realm 
and that he was believed to be at the ** Sign of the Jack- 
o'-lantern," held captive by Miss . The girl's 

name was mentioned, and she stepped out with the 
yoimg man, who took the ring from Cupid's messenger 
and placed it on her finger. Congratulations followed 
and the mystery of the strange guests was solved. 
This party was unique in all details. 

HALLOWE'EN SUGGESTIONS 

On the invitations to the Hallowe'en party I am 
about to describe was written this jingle in fantastic 
lettering: 

When you arrive next Tuesday night, 

Oh, be prepared to tell 
The worst adventure, fearful fright, 

That ever you befell. 

The rooms were gorgeous with autumn leaves, golden 
yellow pumpkin jack-o'-lanterns, and fantastic black 
cat candle shades. An upstairs room, which was 
unoccupied, had been turned into a "chamber of 
horrors." The walls were hung with sheets. Witches, 
spiders, bats, owls, and cats, almost life size, had been 
cut from black paper and pasted on them. The lights 
were shaded with a green paper that gave a most 

[154] 



ENTERTAINING IN OCTOBER 

ghastly glow. In this weird place the guests were 
assembled to relate their *' horror" tales. A black 
cat and her family of jet black kittens played about, 
adding interest to the scene. 

As the people entered this spooky place a ghostly 
figure held out its hand in greeting. I assure you that 
each one dropped it with exclamations of terror. A 
white kid glove, which had been stuffed with fine saw- 
dust and laid on ice for hours, was fastened to a round 
stick which the ghost held concealed under the flowing 
sleeve draperies. This is an old trick, but one that 
always works well. 

When the stories were ended a strange rattling was 
heard at the door. Two little scarlet-clad imps rushed 
into the room and chased everybody down to the 
dining-room. The table was lovely with a huge pump- 
kin coach drawn by twelve chocolate mice and driven 
by a black cat coachman. The coach was filled with 
grapes and yellow chrysanthemums. At each place 
there was an individual lantern made from an orange. 
The bonbon-holders were yellow ice cups attached to 
pumpkin wheels drawn by black cats. The hostess 
said she had made these from crepe paper, cutting out 
the figures, mounting them on cardboard, and touch- 
ing them up a bit with black and gold paint. These 
wonderful crepe papers are a great help to hostesses, as 
the napkins come decorated for nearly every special 
day in the calendar and are very decorative. 

A simple but "Hallowe'eny" menu was served, 
consisting of coffee, crab meat **a la Newburg" in the 
chafing-dishes, cheese, olives, cider, popcorn, salad 
(Waldorf) in red hollowed-out apples, ginger cakes, and 

[155] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

a huge cake containing the usual mystic symbols, 
viz., a ring, thimble, coin, and button. 

On a stand by the fireplace there was a huge bowl 
filled with chestnuts, raisins, and apples for roasting. 
It was all jolly and informal, as Hallowe'en parties 
should be. 

CHOOSING HALLOWE'EN PARTNERS 

The guests played cards at this party and chose their 
partners in a most novel way. After all had arrived 
the hostess took the girls into one room, where they 
were given sheets and pillow cases, the latter having 
grotesque faces quickly penciled on with colored crayons. 
After being thus arrayed they were led downstairs by 
a maid and one by one placed upon a white-draped stool. 
They were then bid in by the men. Not a word was 
spoken and they were not allowed to be touched. 
Each one revolved slowly once around. It was all 
most laughable and many were the surprises when 
the masks were removed. Scarcely a man had guessed 
"who was who." I assure you the ice was effectually 
broken at this party. 

A FORTUNE BALL 

This is a pretty feature to use at a Hallowe'en party. 
Wind a huge ball of red yarn concealing tiny favors 
which should be wrapped first in red paper. Have 
the guests seated around the fireplace with only "jacks " 
for lights. Each one is to tell a ghost tale, continuing 
until a gift is reached, when the ball is passed on to the 
next door neighbor, who will proceed. In this way 
the ball is rewound and the last gift reached. By that 

[156] 



ENTERTAINING IN OCTOBER 

time the clock should strike twelve. This makes a 
good ending for the evening. The hostess might give 
each guest an apple as he departs which must be eaten 
before retiring. Two seeds must, of course, be placed 
on each eyehd, naming them first. The one that sticks 
longest is the one who will prove faithful and true as 
the life partner. 

THE LEAF FORTUNE 

This was new to me, but it added to the party at which 
it was a feature. The hostess had procured a number 
of leaves and arranged them in a row on a window seat 
out on the porch. A maiden was blindfolded, led by 
one of the men to the place, and told to put her hand 
upon a leaf and bring it in to the light. A yellow leaf 
denoted gold. In other words, her future husband 
would be wealthy. A red leaf prophesied a gay and 
happy life full of all her heart desired. A crumply, 
ragged leaf was indicative of poverty and disappoint- 
ment in love, and a green leaf showed that she would 
marry a man younger than herseK. 

Each girl wanted to try this. The man who led her 
to the window she selected after she was blindfolded 
by touching him with a wand which the hostess 
handed her. 

A CHURCH SOCIAL 

A YOUNG people's guild decided to have the usual 
monthly social meeting on Hallowe'en. Every one 
was asked to come dressed as farmer lads and lassies. 
This in itself took away the stiflFness that is usually 
prevalent at such aflFairs. The guild room was deco- 

[157] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

rated with corn shocks, autumn leaves, and quantities 
of lanterns made from pumpkins, squashes, and large 
cucumbers. A short musical program was given, and 
Whittier's "The Pumpkin " was read, also some of 
Riley's Farm Ballads. Several good story-tellers had 
been asked beforehand to come prepared with ghost 
stories, and this consumed an hour. Cider, pumpkin 
pie, doughnuts, cheese, popcorn, and apples were served. 
The place cards were pumpkin-shaped, bearing the 
day and date. Every one had a good time. The 
committee in charge of the entertaining enjoyed the 
preparations hugely, as the day before the members 
had gone out in an automobile into the country for 
the pumpkins, corn shocks, and gorgeous boughs of 
autumn leaves. 

HALLOWE'EN CAPERS 

Try this "month candle" scheme. Place twelve 
candles in a row, each one marked with the name of 
a month, then invite each girl separately to try her 
fortune. The first candle blown out would indicate 
the month in which she would plight her troth and the 
number of candles blown out in one blow would signify 
the number of months that would elapse before the 
marriage. During this process the girl must, of course, 
think constantly of her "best" young man. 

After this, have the guests go blindfolded, one at 
a time, into a room in which there is a table having 
on it the objects given on the list which follows. When 
all have selected the first one touched, the blindfold 
should be removed and the hostess will tell them the 
meaning of the article. Of course, pictures may be 

[158] 



ENTERTAINING IN OCTOBER 

used with the scenes depicted. This is an easy way 
to tell the future: 

Teapot — Your destiny is an old maid or a confirmed 
bachelor. 

Diamond Ring — Approaching engagement. 

Lion — There is soon to rise a dominating influence 
in your life. 

Automobile — Your romance will begin in an auto. 

Piano — Through music will come your fate. 

Fan — Beware of a flirt among your acquaintances. 

Hour Glass and Wings — You are wasting precious 
moments. 

Rural Scene — You will marry a farmer; (for a man) 
a country girl. 

Quaker — You are shortly to meet a very quiet 
person who will play a great part in your history. 

Wig or Bald Head — You will fall in love with a 
person much older than yourself. 

Cupid — An absorbing love affair is approaching. 

Fence — You will meet with an obstacle in love, 
but one which is surmountable. 

Four-leaf Clover — You will be lucky in love. 

Rabbit — You are too timid in love. 

NUT-CRA.CK NIGHT 

I WONDER how many know that in olden times the 
thirty-first of October was sometimes called "nut- 
crack night" and sometimes ''cake night." With 
this in mind one hostess planned to have an individual 
cake for each guest, with a candle in a marshmallow 
holder in the middle. She served nut sandwiches, nut 

[159] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

ice-cream, and nut cake with a bowl of mixed nuts to 
be cracked. 

A jolly way to find partners for any game at table 
is to give each guest a black cat when he enters and tell 
him to wind up the tail. The latter is of black worsted 
and must not be broken. These "tails" are arranged 
as in the old cobweb party, only they are attached to 
the chairs at the table. Two colors match, and thus 
two couples wind up and find themselves partners at 
the same table. This takes some time and is a fine 
opening for the evening, as every one has a good time 
before the party really begins. Present each player 
with a pumpkin or a witch's cap. The elBfect is gro- 
tesque, and it is only once a year that these symbolic 
favors may be used. 

Traditions and legends do not change, but there may 
be novelty of carrying them out. It is a blessed pro- 
vision made by a wise and loving Father that all things 
are new to the individual, though the things themselves 
are as old as time itself. 

If one has only a wee bit of talent with pencil and 
brush, with the paste pot's aid most charming invita- 
tions and favors may be made at home. Half the 
fun of a party is the preparation and happy anticipa- 
tion. Cut Hallowe'en designs from paper napkins, 
paste on cards or thin pieces of wood, and then write 
the name or invitation. A new favor consists of tiny 
wire corn poppers filled with real popcorn which will 
pop when held over candles. Imagine a table set 
with these poppers at each place, the name tied on the 
handle, and a candle in a carrot candlestick in front of 
each plate. What fun for the guests. 

[160] 



ENTERTAINING IN OCTOBER 

Pumpkin and jack-o'-lantern seals are for sale, 
also all sorts and conditions of witches, some astride 
the proverbial broomstick, some with cats and some 
without. 

MYSTIC WRITING 

Here is how one hostess amused her guests at the 
dining table. A bowl of nuts was passed (English 
walnuts); all the lights were out except candles and 
"jacks" placed in the corners of the room and on the 
mantelpiece. Each guest took a nut, cracked it while 
the hostess repeated in solemn tone: 

"Hold above the candle what you find within. 
Careful not to scorch it — that would be a sin." 

The tightly rolled bit of paper was apparently blank 
until held over the candle flame, when a weird message 
appeared. The writing had been done with lemon 
juice and nothing but heat will make it visible. An 
ink comes ready prepared for just such capers. Some 
of the prophecies were these : " You'll be married within 
a year"; "A dark lady is on your trail — Beware"; 
"A long journey in foreign lands is close at hand"; 
"A man with curly hair seeks you." A clever hostess, 
knowing her guests well, may make these fortunes 
quite a propos. 

HALLOWE'EN REFRESHMENTS 

As with all parties, the "eats" are an important 
factor in the festivities to take place on Hallowe'en. 
A few novel touches will be appreciated by youthful 
guests. So when making cookies take more time and 

[161] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

add raisin eyes to the pumpkin shapes, with citron for 
mouth and nose, and make individual table lanterns 
from nice round oranges, red apples, and tiny squash 
or gourds. Provide marshmallows to be roasted over 
these place lanterns, using new orange wood sticks 
for holders. 

A pretty, symmetrical green cabbage makes an 
admirable holder for nuts or bonbons. Hollow it out, 
line with waxed paper, and fill, tying on the top with 
green and pink ribbon. This makes a good prize. 
A small pumpkin may be done the same way. Cider 
punch is delicious served in place of ice-cream, and all 
sorts of nut confections are suitable, as this night is 
sometimes called "nut-crack night" and in some 
localities '* cabbage night." 

CHESTNUT BROWNIES 

From over the ocean comes this suggestion, which 
is fine for Hallowe'en. Procure shiny horse chestnuts, 
select a small one for the head and a larger one for the 
body. Then provide for the guests some good wire 
hairpins, some yarn or heavy silk with which to wind 
the pins, and some sealing wax from which to fashion 
hands and feet. Hats should be made from acorn 
cups, pins will fasten them on. Secure the head to 
the body. Make the faces with water-colors. These 
little brownie folk are great fun. They could form 
part of a contest with a prize for the best one. 

THE APPLE FATE 

Children love the apple charms, and they are many 
and harmless. No Hallowe'en party is complete 

[162] 



ENTERTAINING IN OCTOBER 

without them. First arrange a paring bee. Give 
each child a perfectly sound apple and a small paring 
knife or silver fruit knife. The game is to see who can 
peel the apple quickest without breaking the peel. 
Next, the long peeling must be thrown over the shoulder 
to see what initial it will form, that same being the 
letter of one's future lover. Those who break the 
peeling break the charm and the apple test is no good 
for them. It's this element of chance and mystery 
that adds fun to these parties. The couplet to chant 
when throwing the peeling is this: 

"By this paring I wish to discover 
The letter of the name of my lover." 

Next comes the seed test. Each child cuts open an 
apple and the one having the most seeds will have the 
heart's greatest wish granted within the year. Then 
the seeds may be counted again, using th^ old rime. 

"One I love, two I love, 
Three I love, I say; 
Four I love with all my heart. 
And five I cast away." 

The apple has, of course, been named for the one best 
loved and the name kept secret. 

The horseshoe fortune is loads of fun. Suspend a 
large horseshoe in the doorway and then toss an apple 
through it. Give each child three trials. Those 
successful will have good fortune all the year. Or if 
the hostess wishes, simple Hallowe'en favors or prizes 
may be given for these stunts. 

[ 163 ] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

Bobbing for apples, in which bright new pennies 
have been placed, and catching them between the teeth 
when suspended by springs is always fun. You see, 
considerable time may be occupied with apple 
charms alone. 

Just another idea : Before the tub of water is removed 
give each one a little boat made by taking the half 
of an English walnut containing a wee lighted candle. 
The boats are silently named. If they float close 
together on this ''Sea of Destiny" and the flame burns 
clear, good fortune is foretold. If the boats sail apart 
and the lights go out, the reverse will be the fate. 

WITCH NIGHT PARTIES 

"Please tell us what to do and how to do it on 
Hallowe'en." Witch night parties are so delightful 
because there is the air of mystery, the uncertain charm 
that pervades the atmosphere. We may do many 
things that are not permissible at any other season, 
and every year, it seems to me, there is a fascinating 
array of novelties. Goblins, fairies, witches, ghosts, 
black cats, bats, and owls all answer the summons and 
arrive in gala array for their yearly carnival. 

There are many young people each year to whom the 
old spells are new, and even to us who have planned 
parties, lo, these many years for this occasion, there is 
an ever present thrill and shiver which comes just as 
strong as if we had never experienced the mysteries 
before. 

Did any of you ever receive a puzzle invitation to 
a Hallowe'en party? If not, give your friends a chance 
to get one this year. Cut out pumpkins of orange 

[164] 



ENTERTAINING IN OCTOBER 

cardboard, write the invitation in red or black ink 
or both. Then cut into bits (not too small), inclose 
in a black envelope addressed in white ink. Be sure 
to say "Please respond," so that you can check up your 
guests and know for how many to prepare. You will 
know also whether the invitation was received and 
deciphered. 

The following is not original with me, but I am 
printing it for some one who may wish to copy it 
Hallowe'en: 

If you'd learn your fate 

Or your destined mate, 
Accept this invitation. Have no dread or fear. 

On that fateful night 

Mortals seldom sight 
The revels I can show you and the antics queer. 

The Witch. 

As has been said before, crepe papers are a boon to 
the hostess. The manufacturers have realized they 
must be ready for "special" day celebrations and 
have designed clever things for each holiday. A 
most effective room decoration is quickly made by 
taking rolls of pumpkins or witch papers and running 
them around as a frieze. Then cut out pumpkins, 
witches, cats, and bats and pin them upon the lace 
curtains in fantastic manner. Pumpkins cut out and 
pasted upon paper plates are just the thing to use along 
with the Hallowe'en sets of napkins, table covers, and 
doiKes. The main thing is to have the rooms just as 
weird and unusual as possible. Candle-holders made 

[165] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

from vegetables like carrots, turnips, and potatoes with 
shades of yellow paper and black cats are fine. 

I just wish I could illustrate for you the most allur- 
ing paper box lanterns which are such fun to make and 
so easy too. Take any kind of pasteboard box, cut 
eyes and nose and mouth, paste red or yellow tissue 
paper behind the openings, and cover the outside with 
any of the Hallowe'en design papers. Insert the 
candle by melting a bit until it sticks. Set these 
around where most needed and watch carefully. There 
is no more danger than from any paper lantern. 

A NOVEL HALLOWE'EN CENTERPIECE 

Here is a pretty and new way to decorate the table 
for Hallowe'en and at the same time carry out the 
"Jack Horner" pie idea. Get a toy cart and pile into 
it the favors or good-luck symbols to be distributed. 
Cover deeply with brown tissue paper hay. At each 
plate have a tiny toy pitchfork with which to dig out 
the gifts. Brownie figures may be on the cart and 
drive black cats harnessed to it. Brownie figures 
scattered over the table are comical and if made at 
home are just as good as those for sale in the shops. 

TO FIND PARTNERS ON HALLOWE'EN 
Half the joy in a Hallowe'en party is one's partner, 
but one must be content with the lad or lass provided 
by the fates. Here are some good ways to pair off. 
If you have some "serpentine," which may be pur- 
chased at a novelty house or at the favor counter, 
use different colored ribbons, or even strings will do. 
Seat the boys on one side of a door that has a transom 
[166] 



ENTERTAINING IN OCTOBER 

and the girls upon the other. If the boys kneel it is 
better. Then at a given signal each maid throws her 
end of the ribbon over the transom, holding tight to 
the end in her hand. The boys are to catch and hold 
the first end they touch, the door will be opened and 
mates found. 

Matching the glove is another good way to make 
fun and find partners for supper or any game the 
hostess may have in mind. Let each girl put on her 
right glove, placing the left in a basket. When all 
the gloves are deposited, a ghost or Cupid or fairy, as 
the hostess plans, passes the basket to the men. Each 
takes a glove and goes in search of his mate. 

Try playing *' going to Jerusalem" to seat the guests 
at the dining-room table or in the room where refresh- 
ments are to be served. Have one chair less than the 
number of guests. When the music stops seats are 
rushed for. When all but one are seated the hostess 
takes that chair, and partners are found in this "hit 
or miss" fashion, causing no end of merriment. 

Sometimes partners are found by mating according 
to size or by matching initials of names, either first 
or last. Anything with the elements of mystery in 
it works well, and on this night no one can afford to 
show any preference. All must enter into the spirit 
of the occasion. 

HALLOWE'EN STUNTS 

Games played on Hallowe'en usually have some 

bearing upon the future, so hostesses are privileged to 

add a touch of mystery to even commonplace pastimes. 

An amusing stunt is to provide each guest with a pair 

[167] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

of scissors and a roll of paper about an inch wide, such 
as comes in a bolt of ribbon, if the regular ''serpentine" 
is not procurable. Appoint a timekeeper and make 
two minutes and thirty seconds count for ten years of 
time. The time it takes to cut down the middle of 
the paper and roll the halves into a neat roll will deter- 
mine the age of life at which one will marry. This 
makes loads of fun. 

Steady Nerve Test. Take twelve beans and quite 
a narrow necked bottle. The one who can hold one 
bean at a time at arm's length and drop it into the 
bottle in the shortest time from a distance of a foot 
above will show the steadiest nerve. 

To Foretell the Future. Fill a small tub with water 
and provide each guest with a long hat pin. Have in 
the tub tight rolls of white paper for the girls and pink 
for the boys on which are fortunes (just short sen- 
tences). Tie these good and fast. The trick is to 
stab a roll with a hat pin. When successful, the roll 
is to be untied and read aloud. 

At one party the hostess announced, "Yarns by the 
boys," and the latter immediately prepared to make a 
hasty exit. She appeared in a moment, however, with 
skeins of diflferent colored worsteds and announced a 
prize for the couple who had the best ball in the shortest 
time, the boys to wind, unassisted by the girls, who 
were to hold the yarn. While performing this pretty 
task a flash-light was taken of the party. 

PUMPKIN PARTY 

Generally the autumn leaves stay beautiful for 
use in decorating for Hallowe'en parties. Nothing is 
[168] 



ENTERTAINING IN OCTOBER 

more in keeping than great boughs of golden maple 
and crimson oak leaves and they were used everywhere 
in the great forty-foot room where this party took 
place. There were pumpkins in a row on a long table 
when the guests arrived. Each one was told to carve 
a face for a jack-o'-lantern. The invitations were 
concealed in tissue paper pumpkins made to order at 
a paper novelty house and were delivered at night by 
a small boy dressed as a goblin. He carried a lantern, 
rang bells furiously, and his only utterance was, '*The 
goblins will get you, if you don't watch out," as he 
thrust the pumpkin inside the door and vanished. Tub 
suits were requested, and the hostess had yellow 
cheese-cloth aprons and pumpkin-shaped caps of crepe 
tissue paper for each one. After an hour's jolly work 
there was an array of grinning ''jacks" which brought 
forth gales of laughter. They were judged and prizes 
awarded for the best. Tissue paper pumpkin vines 
were used for decorations, many having tiny electric 
lights in them which added greatly to the effect and 
called forth many "Oh's" and "Ah's" when the but- 
ton was pressed lighting them. An impromptu dance 
wound up this pumpkin party, at which cider frappe 
and individual pumpkin pies were served, with pumpkin 
boxes having a little witch on top for souvenirs. These 
were filled with candy corn kernels made from a 
delicious butter cream. 

HALLOWE'EN CAKES 

Here are two novel cake recipes; First, for jack- 
o'-lantern cakes: From a plain loaf cake baked in a 
sheet cut pumpkin-shaped cakes about two and a 

[169] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

half inches wide and two inches thick, and ice with 
frosting colored yellow with the yolk of eggs or with 
saffron. While the icing is still moist, insert two 
small red candies for the eyes and nose and a row 
of them for the teeth. 

For the "clock-faced" cakes buy a few vanilla 
wafers, coat with vanilla frothing, and let them dry. 
With melted chocolate and a new small paint brush 
you make the numerals of the clock, the hands in the 
center pointing to midnight, "the witching hour." 

Children adore these confections, which require 
only a little time and patience. I am sure every mother 
is more than willing to do this. 

A HALLOWE'EN PARTY INVITATION 

Use a Hallowe'en post card or a pumpkin-shaped 
card and write the following jingle for an invitation to 
a party on October 31. It is appropriate for either 
children or grown ups: 

At our house on Monday night 
You will surely see a sight. 
Ghosts and goblins, witches, too. 
Are busy preparing fates for you, 
The hour is eight, don't be late, 
But come — be brave at any rate. 

NEW AND OLD TRICKS 

"We are tired of bobbing for apples." But did you 
ever bob for them prepared in this way.^^ In a light 
zinc tub, which may be brought from the laundry, put 
at least a dozen red apples. In four of them conceal 

[170] 



ENTERTAINING IN OCTOBER 

a ring, a thimble, a button, and a coin. Just press the 
articles carefully into the fruit and the mutilation is 
not discernible in the water. The boy or girl getting 
the ring will be married or engaged within the year. 
The thimble means no such luck, as the one getting it 
must remain single or unattached for another twelve 
months. The coin means wealth and the button means 
that one must win fame or fortune by one's own exer- 
tions. 

Who remembers the old trick of trying to get a coin 
out of a pan of flour with the teeth, the hands being 
tied behind the back.'^ This is a laughable sight. 
Sometimes a wedding ring is concealed in the flour, 
and the one getting it will be married within the year. 
Of course, the coin denotes wealth. 



[171] 



ENTERTAINING IN NOVEMBER 



ENTERTAINING IN NOVEMBER 



FORFEITS FOR NOVEMBER PARTIES 




O sun — no moon! 
No morn — no noon! 
No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, 

no birds! 
November!" 

^ Once upon a time a certain poet 
spoke of these days as "melancholy, the saddest of 
the year," and a certain small boy called them the 
"sawdust of the year" as he surveyed the unsawed 
wood pile. For my part I think this month is just 
the time to plan for the approaching holiday season, 
to give parties, to get ready for the glad Thanksgiving 
festival. 

Many favorite games require the payment of forfeits 
and one is often at a loss as to what the forfeit shall be. 
Here are some suggestions: 

Tell the culprit to grasp the right ankle with the right 
hand while standing on the left foot, bend it until the 
right knee touches the floor, then slowly rise to a stand- 
ing position again. Keep the left hand extended, 
touching nothing. The right foot must not touch the 
floor nor the ankle be released from the right hand. 

[175] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

This may be used as a test in balance. Seat the 
forfeit payer upon a large gallon bottle which is on its 
side on the floor, the heel of the right foot resting on 
the floor and the heel of the left against the toe of the 
right. Then hand him a darning needle and a coarse 
thread with which he must thread the needle without 
losing balance. 

Put one hand where the other cannot grasp it. 
Do this by grasping the right elbow with the left 
hand. 

Place an object on the floor so that no one can jump 
over it. Do this by placing the article in a corner. 

Hold the foot in one hand and walk around the 
room whistling ** Yankee Doodle." 

Pose as "Liberty Enlightening the World." 

Stick a pin in the center of a ball of yarn, allowing 
it to stand up so as the victim can catch it with 
his teeth. Black the top of the ball with burnt cork. 
Play this only on a person who will take the joke 
without getting angry. 

Put "Mary" through the keyhole. Write the name 
on a bit of paper and poke it through. 

OUR GREAT THANKSGIVING DAY 

"And therefore, I, William Bradford (by the grace of 

God today, 
And the franchise of this good people). Governor of 

Plymouth, say 
Thro' virtue vested power — ye shall gather with one 

accord. 
And hold in the month of November, thanksgiving 

unto the Lord." 
[176] 



ENTERTAINING IN NOVEMBER 

Probably no festival day has a warmer place in our 
hearts than the one we observe on the last Thursday in 
November. Thanksgiving marks the end of the harvest 
home ceremonies, with all the sheaves garnered, the 
fruits and vegetables stored, and farm and home made 
snug for winter. On that day we usually pause to 
count our mercies and give thanks for the cloudy days 
as well as those which have been bright and happy. 

We have time for thoughts of those who are gone, 
whose chairs around the family board will always 
remain vacant, but we remember, too, that the flowers 
will awaken with the first warm breath of spring and our 
loved ones will come to us again in the glorious resur- 
rection. 

Let us all endeavor to make the "other fellow" 
happy, no matter how badly we may feel or how much 
we have lost, remembering that 

"My own happiness 
Is something to desire; and yet I know 
That I must win it by forgetting it 
In ministry to others." 

ORIGIN OF THANKSGIVING DAY 

Thanksgiving Day has long been called the first 
really American holiday. President Lincoln estab- 
lished it as a national festival in 1864, and since that 
time it has been a legal holiday. But the day of 
Thanksgiving goes back to the Englishman, William 
Bradford, who led the Pilgrims to this new land. Back 
of him we find that Moses really instituted the first 
Thanksgiving Day by issuing this splendid proclama- 

[177] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

tion: "After thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy 
wme thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou and thy son 
and thy daughter and the Levite and the stranger and 
the fatherless and the widow that are within thy gate." 

Bradford, in 1633, called on the fifty -five surviving 
passengers of the "Mayflower" to hold a feast of glad- 
ness and thankfulness. He also followed the proclama- 
tion of Moses to the letter, for he asked ninety and one 
strangers, among them the good Indian, Massasoit, 
and others belonging to his famous tribe. So our 
hospitality, for which as a nation we have always been 
known, was established by good old William Bradford. 
History also tells us that he was a "good provider." 
The first Thanksgiving Day feast consisted of wild 
turkey, which comes down into history as the main- 
stay of our Thanksgiving meal. Then there was a fish 
and succotash. The book tells us, too, that the Indians 
brought in nine deer as their contribution to the white 
man's feast. The origin of our thankful Day is strictly 
biblical, as Bradford, the leader of those seeking after 
religious liberty and truth, was simply following in the 
footsteps of Moses, who was leader and lawgiver to a 
people in a strange land. 

Six years after Lincoln issued his Thanksgiving Day 
edict nine Southern States adopted the holiday. In 
1877 a general Thanksgiving Day was proclaimed in 
Scotland. It comes in the middle of November. 
When our housewives are dressing turkeys they should 
think of Alice Bradford and the three or four young 
women whom she had to assist her in preparing those 
first Thanksgiving Day birds. How glad she must 
have been when her blanketed and befeathered guests 

[178] 



ENTERTAINING IN NOVEMBER 

departed! The red men were a great trial to our fore- 
mothers. 

TURKEY CONUNDRUMS 

1. What part of the turkey assists my lady in 
making her toilet? 

2. What part of the turkey opens the front door? . 

3. What part of the turkey will appear on the day 
after Thanksgiving? 

4. What part of a turkey is part of a sentence? 

5. What part of a turkey is used for cleaning pur- 
poses? 

6. What part of a turkey does the farmer watch with 
anxiety? 

7. Why is the man who eats too fast like a turkey? 

8. What part of the turkey is an Oriental? 

9. Why ought the turkey to be ashamed when he is 
being served? 

10. What color gets its name from the turkey? 

11. What feathers find place on my lady's dresser? 

12. When the turkey is cooking, in what country is 
he? 

13. What part of the turkey is a story? 

14. What part of the turkey appears on the battle- 
field? 

15. Why has the turkey five reasons for being sad? 

1. Comb. 2. Last part of turkey, k-e-y. 3. Bill. 
4. Claws (clause). 5. Wings for dusters. 6. The 
crop. 7. Both are gobblers. 8. The first part, 
T-u-r-k. 9. Because we see the turkey dressing. 
10. Turkey red. 11. Pin feathers. 12. In Greece. 

[179] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

13. Tail (tale). 14. Drum stick. 15. He got it 
in the neck. He was bled. He got a roasting. He 
was terribly cut up. Finally, he is in the soup. 

A CONTEST FOR THANKSGIVING 

Tell your guests to brush up on American history 
so as to be in a measure prepared for this contest. The 
story is written with blanks left in place of the words 
in parentheses, which vacancy the guests will have to 
fill in. 

''A colony of (Pilgrims), consisting of (a hundred and 
one) persons, arrived from (England), and after explor- 
ing the coast they landed (December 21) at the place 
we now call (Forefather's Rock). They began the 
first settlement in (New England), calling it (Plym- 
outh). The persons comprising the colony were 
from (England). They were of the (Protestant) 
religion and had been driven to (Holland) by persecu- 
tion. They determined to found a colony in the new 
world to advance (religion). They procured two ships, 
the C* Mayflower") and the ("Speedwell"). The 
C* Speedwell") embarked from (Delf shaven) for 
(Southampton), where it was joined by the (*' May- 
flower"). Soon the ("Speedwell") sprung a leak 
and all the passengers were taken aboard the ("May- 
flower"), sailing from (Plymouth) on (September 16). 
In (two months) they anchored in Cape (Cod) harbor. 
Before landing they gave (thanks) and formed 
themselves into a (body politic), with (John Carver) 
elected (governor) for one year. Armed (men) led 
by Capt. (Miles Standish) sought a place for settlement 
and saw several (Indians). On (December 21), which 

[180] 



« 



ENTERTAINING IN NOVEMBER 

fell on (Monday), they landed, this event being called 
(*'The Landing of the Pilgrims"). 

FOR A NOVEMBER PARTY 

The following idea may be utilized not only for a 
card party prize, but for any game for which the hostess 
chooses to offer a reward. Get a nicely formed golden 
yellow pumpkin, hollow out carefully, and line with 
waxed paper. Then if the really clever imitation 
vegetable candies are obtainable, fill with these delicious 
concoctions. They come in the shape of carrots, corn 
kernels, potatoes; and many kinds of fruits, such as 
cherries and currants, as well as nuts are imitated. K 
these sweets are not to be had, fill the pumpkin with 
home-made goodies, which will prove just as acceptable. 
Replace the top of the pumpkin and tie down with 
green ribbon. A cabbage may be arranged in the same 
way and may be filled with chestnuts if desired for a 
booby or consolation prize. 

TABLEAUX FOR THANKSGIVING DAY 

The schools have charming exercises in which many 
of the old Greek deities take part. Here are a few 
suggestions for quickly prepared tableaux: 

Ceres, with a sheaf of wheat; Mondamin, bear- 
ing maize (corn); Pomona, with apples (on a tree 
branch); Dionysus, carrying grapes on the vine; and 
Autumnus, with the orange tree. Colors to use at 
this season are green, blue, purple, orange, and red 
with all the wood-broT\Ti shades. 

Coming down to our forefathers' time, the ''May- 
flower" makes an excellent centerpiece or place card 

[181] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

design. For these a New England log cabin may be 
used or figures of John Alden, Priscilla, and Miles 
Standish. 

Nothing could be more alluring than a colonial scheme 
carried out in every detail even to asking the guests at 
dinner to dress their hair in colonial fashion. This 
would not be much trouble for any one. 

I want to say right here for the benefit of mothers and 
teachers that since the revival of the "special" day 
celebrations in this country, songs for nearly every occa- 
sion, also folk dances and plays, have been prepared and 
are on sale at most of the large music houses and book 
stores. Write to them clearly for what you want and 
state the grade of children for whom you wish the 
work. 

SUGGESTIONS FOR THANKSGIVING EVENING 

These ideas may be carried out any time during the 
day that seems most fitting. In a family rejoicing in a 
large family circle which convenes regularly for a re- 
union at this season one hostess arranged this program: 
She assigned the following topics as designated, the 
talks or papers not to consume over ten minutes. Try 
it and see how much of interest is stored away in 
memories of the older ones and how much knowledge 
the younger ones have acquired. 

"Housekeeping Then and Now," grandmother; 
"Personal Remembrances of the Civil War," grand- 
father; "What America has done for Women," mother; 
"Three American Inventions," son; "American Aris- 
tocracy," daughter; "Indians," small girl. 

A short program of patriotic songs followed, 

[182] 



ENTERTAINING IN NOVEMBER 

A THANKSGIVING MART 

Here is how a young woman's guild managed to 
fill its treasury a few days before Thanksgiving. The 
members had a "market" in the parish house. The 
room was decorated with cornstalks, flags, and fall 
vegetables. Those in attendance dressed in browns, 
yellows, and tans with autumn leaves plentifully used 
for trimmings and head-dress. Grape juice, jellies, 
preserves, cranberry preserves or jelly in individual 
molds, cakes, pumpkin pie, mince meat, cake, crullers, 
doughnuts, and cookies were for sale. 

In the evening a repast was served that had a touch 
of novelty. The hostesses represented the thirteen 
original States and there were thirteen tables. Those 
representing the southern colonies wore thin frocks cut 
in colonial style with quaint mob caps. The Penn- 
sylvania maids wore Quaker costumes. Those from 
New England were Puritans and the Dutch lasses 
represented New York. 

Maryland served oysters, clams, and crab meat, 
Rhode Island the cranberry sauce, Virginia the broiled 
or boiled ham. Rice cakes made North Carolina 
famous and South Carolina had her wonderful candied 
sweet potatoes. Indian corn bread was found at the 
Pennsylvania table with cheese and grapes at New 
York's booth. Connecticut had pie, and the historic 
beans were at Massachusetts. New Jersey served cider 
and Delaware her delicious little grapes. New Hamp- 
shire had maple sugar and sirup which was made 
into taffy by obliging maids with their chafing-dishes. 

The evening's program of songs and choruses was 

[183] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

furnished by Georgia whose daughters provided a 
really good minstrel show. 

GRAINS OF CORN PLACE CARDS 

In remembrance of the five grains of seed corn, which 
was all our forefathers had on one Thanksgiving 
Day, a hostess made her place cards by taking just 
plain white cards and gluing five grains of field corn 
to them. The name and date followed, and as the 
dinner was just an intimate family affair, each one 
was asked to tell briefiy his or her greatest cause for 
thankfulness. 

EARS OF CORN FAVORS 

As corn cut a very large figure in the life of our 
Pilgrim Fathers why not make ears of corn for the 
Thanksgiving Day favors ? Here is the way to proceed : 
Wrap a large cup full of salted and buttered popcorn 
in a sheet of paraflSn paper, making it into a long roll 
like an ear of corn. Twist the ends tightly and fringe 
them, then wrap in green crepe paper or get the corn 
design crepe paper for the outside covering. Cut 
some green plain tissue paper into "silk," mixing it with 
a little yellow paper fringe. Paste this at the top and 
wind the large end with a strip of plain green paper. 
Very good-looking corn ears will be the result, and with 
practise they are quickly made and will be good to eat 
as well as to look at. A sweetened popcorn may be 
used if liked. 

PARTY FOR THANKS DAY NIGHT 

Use for invitations characteristic cards decorated 
with some of the many symbols associated with the day 



ENTERTAINING IN NOVEMBER 

— turkeys, cornstalks, pumpkins, etc. Decorate with 
pine boughs, vines, and all the woodsy things obtainable. 
Ask the guests to come in Pilgrim costumes. The 
evening's entertainment should be founded on the com- 
ing of our forefathers, the voyage, etc. The questions 
are written on slips and passed to the guests with little 
pencils. 

1. In what coarse goods did the Pilgrims live for a 
time? Holland. 

2. To what efflorescence did they trust their lives? 
The "Mayflower." 

3. What broad letter did they travel on? C (sea). 

4. What fowl was used in landing? Plymouth Rock. 

5. What very bewildering thing did they find growing 
in the new soil? Maze (maize). 

6. They numbered among their party two old- 
fashioned pen and ink cases. What were they? 
Standishes. 

7. What long name did one of the Pilgrims have? 
Miles. 

8. What famous book does the journey of the 
colonists suggest? "The Pilgrim's Progress." 

9. Why should we think the first New England girls 
were bicyclists? A number of spinning wheels were 
seen. 

10. What distant islands were the Indians to the 
colonists at first? Friendly. 

The prizes should be either a copy of "The Courtship 
of Miles Standish" or a picture of Priscilla, plainly 
framed. Other prizes may be turkey and pumpkin 
bonbon boxes filled with corn kernel candy. On the 

[185] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

dining-room table use only brass or glass candlesticks. 
Serve ham and chicken sandwiches, baked beans in 
individual brown ramekins, pumpkin pies, cider, 
doughnuts, popcorn, nuts, and apples. 

TOASTS FOR THANKSGIVING DAY 

Thanksgiving — the magnetic festival that brings 
back erratic wanderers to the "Old Folks at Home." 

Here's to — 

Turkey hot, 

Turkey cold, 

Turkey in cold storage 

Nine months old. 

Gordon. 

Thanksgiving — the religious and social festival that 

converts every family mansion into a family meeting 

house. 

Johnson. 

We voice thy praise. Thanksgiving Day, 

Dream of the waning year; 

Of harvest beauty dost thou sing — 

Here's to a theme most dear. 

Franks. 

The Thanksgiving board — while it groans w^th 
plenty within, who cares for the whistling of the wind 
without? 

The American Eagle — the older he grows the louder 

he screams and the higher he flies. 

Barron. 

[ 186 ] 



ENTERTAINING IN NOVEMBER 

A THANKSGIVING CHARACTER PARTY 

A HOSTESS noted for originality planned this party for 
Thanksgiving night. She asked each of her twenty 
guests to come wearing an article to represent a charac- 
ter famous in American history. Then she passed 
slips of paper with this question : " Who is your favorite 
character in American history, and why?" 

The cards were collected and the answers read aloud 
by the hostess, who awarded a prize to the one who was 
voted to have the best answer. 

Next, pictures of twenty famous Americans were 
displayed and a prize given to the one who guessed 
correctly the greatest number. Then came "histori- 
cal questions," the queries being typewritten and 
numbered. 

Refreshments consisted of a regular New England 
spread — baked beans in individual little brown pots, 
Saratoga chips, brown bread, cheese, pickles, cold slaw, 
and appletarts with coffee, tea, and chocolate. Follow- 
ing are the historical questions : 

1. Who would rather be right than president? 

2. Who crossed the Delaware on Christmas night? 

3. Who won the battle of Brandy wine? 

4. With whom did Massasoit dine? 

5. Who saved Captain John Smith's head? 

6. To whom was Pocahontas wed? 

7. Which first of Columbus' ships found land? 

8. Who of the '* Chesapeake" had command? 

9. Who said, "I'll try, sir," at Lundy's Lane? 

10. Who told us to "Remember the Maine"? 

11. Who was it ran at Quebec's fall? 

[187] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

12. Where first was Jackson called "Stonewall"? 

13. Who saw the Mississippi roll? 

14. Who discovered the north pole? 

1. Henry Clay. 2. Washington. 3. The British. 
4. Governor Bradford. 5. Pocahontas 6. John 
Rolfe. 7. The *'Pinta." 8. Captain Lawrence. 9. 
Colonel Miller. 10. Schley. 11. The French. 12. 
Battle of Manassas. 13. De Soto. 14. Peary. 

SENTIMENTS FOR THANKSGIVING DAY 

TO COLUMBIA AND HERS 

Here's health to Columbia, the pride of the earth, 
The Stars and Stripes — drink the land of our birth ! 
Toast the army and navy, who fought for our cause, 
Who conquered and won us our freedom and laws. 

I was born an American; I live an American, I shall 

die an American. t^ „. 

Daniel Webster 

My angel — his name is Freedom — 

Choose him to be your king; 
He shall cut pathways east and west, 

And find you with his wing. 

Emerson 

Breathes there the man with soul so dead 
Who never to himself hath said, 

This is my own, my native land ! 
Whose heart hath ne'er within him burn'd 
As home his footsteps he hath turn'd 
From wandering on a foreign strand? 

"Lay of the Last Minstrel," Scott 
[188] 



ENTERTAINING IN NOVEMBER 

Heap high the farmer's wintry hoard, 

Heap high the golden corn! 
No richer gift has Autumn poured 

From out her lavish horn. 

Whittibb 

THE WORKER'S THANKSGIVING 

O God of those who labor on 

From dawn till twilight hours are gone, 

We thank Thee for the grace 
That lets us know the rapture strong 
Of working well and brave and long. 

Each in his chosen place! 

We thank Thee for the tasks that wait 
For our glad coming, soon or late. 

The splendor and the strain 
That keep our working muscles true. 
That glorify whatever we do. 

With hand or heart or brain! 

We thank Thee for the sun and shade 
Of which this working world is made, 

For water and the soil; 
For joys that cling and griefs that fly. 
For chance to live and chance to die — 

O God of those who toil! 

Ethel Colson 



[189] 



ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 




ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 

HRISTMAS— why the very mention 
of it sets our hearts aglow, and 
recalls to mind many a happy hour 
spent in company with friends, both 
old and new, and prompts the feel- 
ing of good-will within us, wherefore 
we send forth our wishes for their 
happiness and weKare." 

Isn't that a charming sentiment? I am sure that 
those who read these lines will have the Christmas spirit 
as the time approaches for the celebration of the 
"King's" birthday. And the very best of all is that 
every one may participate in some way. It seems to 
me that it is just the most blessed season and more 
precious each year, even though we have vacant chairs 
and lonesome corners in our hearts. There is so much 
to do for the "other fellow, " so many to remember, and 
that is all that many of us can do — just "remember." 
The saddest thing in this world is to be forgotten. 
So let us sit right down this very day and make out our 
list, get our notes and cards ready, which the postman 
will deliver, and gladden those to whom the Christmas 
mail will mean much or little, according as we remember. 
Just a word along these lines before I go on with other 
suggestions. 

[193] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

Some time ago I read an article written by a prisoner 
in which he told what it would mean to the inmates of 
the great penitentiary to receive a card from the out- 
side world. Why can't we get lists from those institu- 
tions of reform, from the hospitals, from ''homes" of 
all kinds and make it the business of our philanthropic 
clubs, of ourselves, of our Sunday-schools and "aid" 
societies, to see that cards of greeting and messages of 
cheer go to the enormous number of shut-ins at this 
holiday time? 

THE ORIGIN OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE 

May the Christmas trees of your little days 

Come back, all bright and shiny. 
To leave your heart in a glad amaze. 

As they did when you were tiny. 

In looking up the story of the Christmas tree we find 
that its beginning is veiled in mystery as are many of 
the customs we observe at this time. But from ancient 
days the tree has been used by men of all faiths as a 
symbol of life everlasting. For instance, the Masonic 
order in its burial service uses a spray of arbor- vitae as 
a sign of immortality, its name meaning literally "tree 
of life." 

In our search for this tree's history we find that some 
say it came from the great tree "Yggdrasil" found in 
the Norse legends. Others tell us that it is a continua- 
tion of one of the Roman Saturnalian customs. One 
explanation is that it is a survivor of the Assyrian "Tree 
of Great Light." The list would not be complete if it 
did not have a bit of Egyptian lore, so we find that dur- 
ing the winter solstice the people of that ancient land 

[194] 



ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 

had a custom of decorating their homes with branches 
of the date palm, which signified that hfe would be 
triumphant over death. 

In the use of the Christmas tree some people find a 
relationship with the time-honored *' Jesse tree," which 
was once a favorite symbol in church window and 
mural decorative schemes. It was a symbolical family 
tree with its root in Jesse and the blessed Lord Jesus 
as the croT^Tiing fruit. 

Right here it must not be forgotten that in Germany, 
the home of the Christmas tree, not one is considered 
complete without an image of the virgin and child 
affixed to the topmost branch. 

Two families of the evergreens furnish most of the 
festive trees, the spruce and fir, with an occasional pine. 
From the northern part of Wisconsin, Michigan, Min- 
nesota, and New England these trees are shipped in 
carload lots to the inland and prairie States. Often 
these have a fine lot of cones near the top which make 
them so much more valuable for decorative purposes. 

These cones are very pretty if silvered or gilded. If 
they fall from the tree, string them, dip them in liquid 
glue and then in diamond dust. 

In some families it is the custom to purchase a real 
five growing evergreen tree (small, of course) to use for 
a baby's first tree or for the table tree, which some 
people always have as their dining-room decoration 
during holiday week. Then this little tree is planted 
in the yard. I know of one beautiful group of ever- 
greens that is being made in this way. Could anything 
be more fitting for the home grounds than this proces- 
sion of Christmas trees, each freighted with its own 

[19ol 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

individual and precious memories of a Christmas 
tide? 

Of all the legends none is more beautiful than that 
of good Saint Boniface. While on one of his journeys, 
one night he chanced to come upon a great company of 
people in a forest on a hillside which was crowned by 
an enormous Thunder oak. A young child was bound 
at the foot of an altar and was to be sacrificed to appease 
the wrath of the god Thor. A huge fire burned, sending 
sparks and flames high into the air. The good Boniface 
with his cross knocked the ax from the heathen priest's 
hand and saved the child. He then seized the ax and 
struck the altar a mighty blow that sundered it. A 
miraculous storm broke the sacred tree into four parts 
and threw them prone upon the groimd. 

Then the saint told them the story of Jesus and the 
pagans were converted. He turned to a tall, straight 
young fir-tree and said: 

"Here is the living tree with no stain of blood upon 
it, that shall be the sign of your new worship. See 
how it points to the sky. Let us call it the tree of the 
Christ-child. You shall go no more into the shadows 
of the forest to keep your feasts with secret rites of 
shame. You shall keep them at home with laughter 
and songs and rites of love." 

The use of the Christmas tree in England is compara- 
tively recent, for it was not until Queen Victoria married 
her German prince that our cousins over the water 
knew of its beauty and charm. The custom of using 
evergreens for festival decorations, however, is almost 
as old as time, for in the Bible (Nehemiah) this verse is 
found: 

[196] 



ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 

"They find it written in the law 'Go forth into the 
mount and fetch oUve branches and branches of thick 
trees, and make booths.' " 

The fir and the pine have always been classed among 
the world's sacred trees, and for that reason perhaps 
they are most often chosen for our use at this time. 
It may be news to many that "Benigne Braunchlet of 
Pine" was one of the titles of the Blessed Virgin. 

Then thirty-three years after the blessed Christ- 
child's birth came the tree on the hill of Golgotha, 
where He poured out His life blood, a free gift to all. 
So from the tree at Calvary we learn what we all 
experience at this season, that it is '*more blessed to 
give than to receive." 

A RUSSIAN CHRISTMAS EVE PARTY 

In far-away Russia the peasants have a beautiful 
ceremony which they call the "Festival of the Evening 
Star." It begins just as the evening star appears over 
the horizon. From this idea, why not have a five- 
pointed star the feature of any parties given on the night 
before Christmas? Such a plan could be most effect- 
ively carried out with a large star of green for the 
centerpiece, outlined with white and red candles, a tall 
candle in the center and gold and silver stars scattered 
over the table. Star-shaped place cards and ice-cream 
molded in stars, with cakes the same shape, should be 
used. With a little time to devote to this scheme I 
think star-shaped boxes could be made to be filled with 
Christmas goodies to be given to each guest as souvenirs, 
or boxes could be ornamented by means of silver stars 
pasted upon them. 

[197] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

"PUSS IN BOOTS AT CHRISTMAS" 

A MOTHER who is Continually on the watch for 
novelties had this unusual centerpiece on her Christmas 
table when she entertained at a neighborhood children's 
party on Christmas afternoon. She took the idea from 
the Scandinavian custom of placing in a row all the 
shoes of the household on Yule night as a symbol that 
the family would live in peace and harmony during the 
coming year. So all around the table were tiny red doll 
shoes filled with bonbons and a red leather boot was in 
the middle of the table with red ribbons going to each 
child's place. Gold lacing went up the front, a white 
pussy cat peered out of the top with a string of bells 
around his neck, and holly leaves hung from the top of 
the boot. When the children pulled the ribbons a 
Christmas favor was forthcoming. Around the boot 
was a mound of snapping mottoes, gorgeous ones with 
a spray of holly attached and a chime of three gilt bells. 

Afterward they played a romping game of "Pussy 
wants a Corner," following which they had this contest: 
Each child was to pin a paper pussy cat on the top of a 
red cloth boot which was pinned upon the wall. Each 
was blindfolded in turn and the prize was a scarlet 
tarlatan stocking filled with toys and favors. The ice- 
cream was frozen in the shape of white stockings and a 
wee Christmas tree stood upright on individual white 
frosted cakes. The children were delighted with this 
party. 

JINGLES FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS 

These charming bits of verse will add greatly to the 
value of Christmas presents. The first thirteen are by 
[198] 



ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 

Ethel M. Colson. The others are miscellaneous. I 
would gladly give credit, but they are out of my Christ- 
mas pigeon hole, where they have been thrust from time 
to time. I send them out feeling sure that the original 
writer will be glad to have them on the way again. If 
written on any of the many fascinating cards, gay with 
holly and mistletoe decorations, so much the better: 

I am so glad, this Christmas day. 
For life and health and sunshine gay, 
I am so glad from morn till night. 
For love and faith and hope so bright. 
For friendship warm, affection true — 
Wherefore I am most glad for you! 

FOR A BABE OR CHILD 

O big little monarch, I herewith pay 
You royal tribute, on Christmas Day — 
But my love is too big for words to say. 

WITH A PRESENT OF FLOWERS 

The tender thoughts I cannot speak 

These blossoms voice for me; 
When pressed against your charming cheek 

Sweet visions you should see. 

BOOK, CALENDAR, OR PERIODICAL 

Every page I herewith send 

Bears a Christmas gift, my friend; 

Life be glad and good to you. 

And your Christmas dreams come true! 

[199] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

WITH A TIMEPIECE OR PEN 

Record no hours but those that shine, 
No days but glad, oh! gift of mine; 
While, if you must mark sigh or tear, 
Whisper of coming hope and cheer, 
And that the life which love doth guide 
Maintains unbroken Christmas-tide. 

A CONVIVIAL BOWL 

May your life be wholly sunshine. 

With never a care to dim, 
Joy's cup with varied gladness 

Be filled to the very brim. 
This is the wish I frame for you 

In a shining Christmas rim. 

WITH AN ARTICLE OF JEWELRY 

Every time this trifle bright 
Meets your eye, on day or night. 
May it speak of fond hearts true. 
Softly whisper, "He loves you!" 

WITH ARTICLES OF PRACTICAL USE 

Because I am not always near 

When you are sick or sad, 
I send this thing of simple cheer 

To comfort, make you glad. 
Just turn to it in wo or weal, 

When tears or smiles may start, 
And in its breath of friendship leal 

You'll always find my heart. 
[200] 



ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 

CHKISTMAS PRAYER 

O God of Christmas, may my prayer 

Ascend with Christmas song; 
Grant this dear soul surcease of care 

And pain her Ufetime long; 
But also this sure faith impart : 

However bleak and gray 
Some hours may seem, the lo\'ing heart 

Keeps always Christmas Day. 

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE SENDER 

This "counterfeit presentment" 

Of one who holds you dear 
Should bid you glad ''Good morning!" 

Each day of all the year. 

WITH A CANDLESTICK 

"So far a candle throws its beams" 
Thus far I fain would light your way 

To peaceful thoughts and joyous dreams 
That make of night a fairy day. 

NEW YEAR REMEMBRANCE 

May every day of this new year 
Bring you fresh joy and gladness, dear. 
With health and wealth and all you will 
And keep us jolly comrades still. 

WITH A PHOTOGRAPH FRAME 

Some cherished face may this enshrine; 

Some face that, were the frame still mine, 
I'd hold as dear as I do thine. 

[201] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

If any of you happen to have a friend who has moved 
away or is somewhere apart from the loved circle, send 
her this so it will arrive on Christmas morning, and I 
am sm-e the holiday will be far happier than if you had 
not remembered: 

Your old friends do not forget, 
Tho' far away, you're one of us yet! 

Write this on a card to go with a calendar, which, by 
the way, is always an acceptable gift for a man or 
woman: 

Of calendars and calendars 

There seems to be no end; 
But this is made especially 

To please a dainty friend. 
Although it comes on Christmas Day 

To greet my friend most dear, 
'Twill bide with her on every day ^ 

Throughout the livelong year. 

All of us cannot aflFord to have cards engraved with 
greetings for the holiday season, but we can all write 
the following on our visiting cards, place in an envelope, 
seal with a pretty Christmas seal, and send it on its way 
by Uncle Sam's good messengers, who play assistants 
to Santa Claus in a most patient, long-suffering way: 

Mistletoe and garlands gay 
I send entwined with holly spray. 
To wish you merry Christmas, dear, 
And peace throughout the coming year. 

[202] 



ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 

The girl who can make home-made candies will find 
her gifts most popular, for how we all prize Christmas 
goodies ! And just write this on the card that goes with 
the box: 

The shops I've hunted through and through 
For daintiest gift to send to you, 
But could not find a gift more meet 
Than this of ''Sweets imto the sweet." 

Books make pleasing gifts when selected with care, 
and here is the jingle to go with them: 

Now, after all, what gift compares 

With a deHghtful book? 
Pray read this with your friend in mind 

When o'er its page you look. 

Here is something to send with the gift of a magazine 
subscription for a year: 

Twelve times I'll come to visit you 
Throughout the coming year. 

Reminding you of good old times. 
Of Christmas and its cheer. 

And if you are to entertain at dinner on Christmas, 
put these lines on a gay holly card and send in place of 
the usual conventional invitation : 

Oh, come aroimd on Christmas Day 

And share our turkey feast ! 
By living o'er the good old times 

Oiu* joy will be increased. 

[203] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

The list closes with these two for umbrellas: 

Pray use this silk umbrella, friend, 

When skies are leaden gray; 
They say that simply carrying it 

Will keep the storms away. 

Umbrella when the clouds o'erflow, 
And sunshade when it's bright! 

Equipped with this, where'er you go, 
You're fixed for any plight. 

TO GO WITH A BOOK 

This was written long years ago by Dorothy Words- 
worth to Coleridge: "Yes, do you send me a book for 
my birthday. Not a bargain book, bought from a 
haberdasher, but a beautiful book, a book to caress — 
peculiar, distinctive, individual; a book that hath first 
caught your eye and then pleased your fancy, written 
by an author wdth a tender whim, all right out of his 
heart. We will read it together in the gloaming, and 
when the gathering dusk doth blur the page, we'll sit 
with hearts too full for speech and think it over." 

A NOVEL WINTER TABLE 

For a December party just try this scheme for the 
dining-room table. The requirements are a large round 
mirror for the center and four small ones for the 
corners. Outline these with holly or box, in fact, any 
kind of greens will do. Sprinkle the glass and the greens, 
too, with Christmas sparkling *'snow" and the effect 
is lovely. Next "plant" little toy trees, some of them 
with small candles on, ready to be lighted at the last 

[204] 



ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 

moment. Get white rock candy and build a little hut 
on the center mirror. Make a roof of cotton sprinkled 
with diamond dust and fringed with glass icicles which 
may be found at the Christmas tree ornament counter. 
From the overhead light make a snowstorm by suspend- 
ing flakes of cotton on white silk threads. The place 
cards may be tiny sleds drawn by miniature figures of 
Santa Claus. Guests' names may be traced on the sled 
in gilt or traced with mucilage and dipped in diamond 
dust. 

UNIQUE HOLIDAY PARTY 

At a jolly party for twenty youngsters, this scheme 
was carried out. Invitations like these went to those 
bidden: 

There is an old lady 

Who lives in a shoe, 
Santa Claus has left her so many stockings 

She doesn't know what to do. 

Will you come and help her solve the difficulty at 
eight o'clock? 

Name and date followed. When the guests arrived 
they found the hostess standing in a room mysterious 
with various colored cords running in all directions. 
She explained that the name of each guest would be 
found written on a stocking-shaped card attached to 
the end of one of the cords. Just imagine the score of 
merry lads and lassies finding themselves and then 
winding their strings until the end was reached in a 
stocking of tarlatan which contained a charming little 

[205] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

favor from the hostess — who, by the way, was a middle- 
aged woman whose heart has never grown old. She 
entertams each year during the holidays, and always 
has something different. This time the ice-cream was 
in shape of balls, served on plates wreathed with holly. 
The dining-room table had an enormous bell over it. 
The place cards were stocking-shaped, the nut-holders 
little wooden shoes. 

NOVEL WAYS TO GIVE MONEY 

These two suggestions may come just in time for 
some eleventh hour man who hasn't a long-suffering 
mother, sister, cousin, or aunt to do his thinking for him. 
He always gives money and at the last moment sits 
down and writes a check, puts it in a prosaic, white 
envelope, and that ends it. Now, that is all right, my 
good man, but just see how much more fun it would be 
if you should go and buy a nice-looking box filled with 
peppermints, change the check into gold pieces, and 
write on the card "Fresh from the mint." After you 
have done this you might hie yourself into the nursery 
of some friend, borrow the little brass coal scuttle from 
the dollhouse, fill it with new, bright pennies, and tell 
the child "there is some money to burn." 

CHRISTMAS GIFTS IN SNOWBALLS 

At a kindergarten the gifts were distributed in this 
way. Beside the tree, which glittered with the usual 
ornaments and lights, was a pile of white cotton snow- 
balls stacked in pyramid fashion. Diamond dust had 
been used bountifully and a wee lad dressed as "Jack 
Frost" stood beside the snowballs. 

[206] 



ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 

The teacher said that she had received word that 
"Santa" had been lost, but that she might be able to 
find him by digging in the snow beside the balls. So 
she took a snow shovel and pretended to dig, and in a 
few moments "Santa" appeared from behind the pile 
of balls, shaking the cotton snow flakes off. He said 
his reindeer had run away and that he had then taken 
an automobile, but it had broken down. He was afraid 
to trust an airship, so he telephoned "Jack Frost" to 
make a lot of snowballs in which to conceal the presents 
and to have them all ready for him to distribute. 
From his pack he took oranges and stockings filled with 
nuts and raisins. The balls contained wee gifts for 
each child. 

FOR A SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS TREE 

This is a custom practised by a Sunday-school where 
the children are all of the wealthy class. But I am sure 
it is a plan that many schools may like to try. On the 
platform stands a beautiful large tree made gay with 
ornaments and lights but totally devoid of presents. 
The classes assemble, each pupil bringing a gift marked 
"for a girl " or "for a boy." The age of the recipient is 
written on, too, so that those who make the distribution 
will have some idea which package to give to "who." 
The gifts are all carefully wrapped and made just as 
"Christmasy " looking as possible. When the class roll 
is called each class responds by going forward and laying 
its offerings beside the tree. In return each child is 
handed an orange and a small box of candy, this treat 
being usually provided by some wealthy parishioner 
who is fond of the children and who does not work in 

[207] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

the Sunday-school. Christmas carols and a very short 
service follow and the next day the presents are taken 
to the city mission or some special charity that has been 
decided upon. Toys and books that are in good condi- 
tion are accepted, but only such articles as may be 
offered without compunctions of conscience to one of 
God's little ones. This general clearing house is a 
splendid idea. The children learn the lesson of passing 
on what has given them pleasure. A dear little mother 
told me that her children were interested all the year 
in trying to keep their toys "nice" for the "other 
child's Christmas." 

TABLEAUX VIVANTS FOR CHRISTMAS 

The following subjects for the holiday week enter- 
tainments may be enlarged upon by adding music and 
appropriate dances: 

"Under the Mistletoe," "Oriental Woman searching 
for the Christ-child," "Breton Peasants on the Way 
to Church," "Italian Flower Girl and Tourist," "Danish 
Mother and Children awaiting the Entrance of the 
Klafferbock," "Rowena and the Wassail Cup," "Hol- 
land Man and Maid exchanging St. Nicholas Cake," 
"Swedish Peasants," "Lighting the Christmas Candle," 
"The Irish Maid and the Mistletoe Fairy," and " 'Twas 
the Night Before Christmas," illustrating the reading 
of this little American classic from behind the scenes. 

A CHRISTMAS SUPPER 

As nearly every one dines sumptuously in the middle 
of the day on Christmas, this supper was planned to 
satisfy, without causing discomfort. First there was 

[208] 



ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 

an appetizing combination of fruits served in orange 
cups resting on holly leaves. There were oranges, 
bananas, grated pineapple, lemon juice, sugar to sweeten 
and sherry in the cold mixture, which was just what 
every one seemed to relish. Then fried oysters, old- 
fashioned cold slaw, hot biscuit, potato chips, individual 
molds of cranberry jelly, lobster salad, wafers, coffee, 
cheese, nuts, and white grapes. The salted almonds 
were in little sled boxes, and the name cards were tied 
to small Christmas tree boxes containing bonbons. 

MAKING CHRISTINGLES 

How many of us know how to make Christingles? 
I did not and was only too glad to learn. Make them 
by piercing a hole in an orange and putting in a quill 
three or four inches long. Place a second quill inside 
this. Then split each quill into several slips, each one 
loaded on the tip with a raisin. The raisins are heavy 
enough to bend down the little boughs, making two 
circles of pendants. A red candle is placed in the 
upper quill and lighted on Christmas eve. This is an 
old German custom. 

CHRISTMAS LEGENDS 

It is most interesting to look up the sayings and 
superstitions pertaining to Christmas. To this day 
the simple-minded country folk in English rural districts 
believe the cattle kneel on Christmas eve at midnight; 
that the sheep form a procession in remembrance of 
the shepherds and the angel messengers. When a 
rooster is heard to crow in the night time about the 
middle of December they say: *'He is croTvdng for 

[209] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

Christmas." By crowing the cock is supposed to 
frighten evil spirits so they will not appear at the holy 
season. 

In Scotland the peasants will tell you that the cows 
open their mouths and speak as Christmas morning 
dawns. 

In olden days the holidays lasted until January 6, or 
"Old Christmas." Hence the saying : 

Yule's come and Yule's gane, 

And we hae feasted weel; 
Sae, Jock maun to his flail again, 

And Jenny to her wheel. 

IDEA FOR CHRISTMAS DECORATION 
In the dining-room that has to have a screen to 
conceal the kitchen there may be a very simple and 
effective addition made to the Christmas decorations 
by pinning holly to the screen, covering the original 
surface completely. Lace curtains may also be effec- 
tually used in this way to make lovely bits of color in 
the room or a background for the tree. 

HYMN FOR CHRISTMAS 

Oh ! lovely voices of the sky 

Which hymned the Saviour's birth, 
Are ye not singing still on high. 

Ye that sang "Peace on earth"? 
To us yet speak the strains 

Wherewith, in time gone by, 
Ye blessed the Syrian swains. 

Oh ! voices of the sky ! 
[ 210 ] 



ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 

Oh! clear and shining light, whose beams 

That hour heaven's glory shed 
Around the palms, and o'er the streams, 

And on the shepherd's head. 
Be near, through life and death, 

As in that holiest night 
Of hope, and joy, and faith — 

Oh! clear and shining light! 

Before the children go to bed, get them around you 
in the firelight and read them this hymn. Tell them 
the dear old story of the angel chorus and the star. 
I am certain it will insure them happy dreams after the 
strenuous day. 

HOW TO GILD NUTS 

We are nothing if not practical and I want to tell you 
the very best way to gild nuts or pine cones or whatever 
you may wish in the way of ornaments for the tree. 
Go to a dealer in house paints and buy smalts in gold, 
silver, or metallic colors. Get also an eighth of a pound 
of glue, put in a can or jar, pour on a pint of water, and 
set in a vessel of boiling water, letting the glue thor- 
oughly dissolve. Drive a tack in the nuts, dip in the 
glue, roll in the colors, and lay aside to dry. Stars and 
other symbolic figures may be dipped in the glue and 
then in the silver or gilt and dried in the same manner. 

CHRISTMAS FUN 

Make a Santa Glaus figure about three feet high 
with a tall, peaked cap on his head (a mask and a beard 
make the head), and provide five soft rubber balls. 

[211] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

See who can knock the hat off with the fewest balls. 
When the hat is off a ball for each one in the party will 
roll out, and on these balls numbers will be pasted. 
Each child is told to hunt for a parcel bearing his or 
her number, which is hidden within a prescribed space 
to be explained by the hostess, upstairs or down, and 
in which the packages will be discovered. This is a 
merry way to present the favors or gifts, which may be 
Christmas boxes filled with sweetmeats. 

A CHEESE-CLOTH CHRISTMAS 

A VERY clever young woman whose finances were 
suddenly reduced to the lowest terms tells me how she 
planned a ''cheese-cloth" Christmas for many of her 
friends. She made dusters for housekeepers, prettily 
feather stitching them with different colored silks and 
wash cottons. By stitching several thicknesses together 
she made serviceable and sanitary dish-cloths. Then 
there were useful covers for trunk trays (she first took 
the precaution to get the sizes). Pads for dresser and 
chiffonier drawers were made with a layer of cotton 
between, delicately scented with violet sachet powder. 
For the new babies she did the most fascinating cover- 
lets, lining them with lamb's wool, tufting them with 
pink and blue worsted, and buttonholing around the 
edges. For a bride going to housekeeping in a modest 
little home she procured the measurements of the 
basement windows and built curtains of cream cheese- 
cloth with a deep hem at the bottom. Cheese-cloth 
laundry bags lined with a colored cambric are accept- 
able, also bags for string. Taking it as a whole she says 
her Christmas that year was a great success. 

[212] 



ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 

Cheese-cloth makes excellent curtains for servants' 
rooms and protectors for party gowns on the back of 
closet walls where the dainty frocks are hung. 

FOR CHRISTMAS PARTY INVITATIONS 

It is the custom in many families to give Christmas 
tree parties for children. An appropriate rime or 
jingle by way of invitation adds to the charm of this 
very delightful season. Sometimes the notes are 
attached to miniature figures of Santa Claus, sometimes 
inclosed in a cotton snowball or written on red card- 
board stockings with gilt ink. Here are some verses 
suitable for a kindergarten: 

We wish you a Merry Christmas, 

And glad we all shall be 
To give you a hearty greeting 

And show you our Christmas tree. 

Please come this year to our Christmas tree. 
It's just as pretty as pretty can be; 
For our fathers and mothers and babies dear 
We dress our Christmas tree each year. 

We wish you a Merry Christmas, 

And hope you all will come 
To our Christmas tree and party 

And help us enjoy our fun. 

Won't you come to our Christmas tree? 

We'll all be glad to see you — 

Please come at eight and don't be late. 

[213] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

SANTA CLAUS PUZZLE GAME 

Children love puzzles, so try this as part of your 
Christmas fun. Give each child an envelope containing 
a picture of Santa Claus dissected, a sheet of cardboard, 
a tube of paste or a bottle of mucilage. The one who 
first completes the picture is the prize winner- 

A CRANBERRY HUNT 

All children love the *'hunt," and at this season, 
instead of peanuts, let's hide cranberries, either outdoors 
or inside, just as the powers that be decide. Provide 
bags or baskets for the spoils, and award a Christmas 
box of goodies for the prize. 

Instead of the time-honored "pinning the tail" on 
the donkey, one may now get a pumpkin pie, and the 
trick is to put a slice of pie back in place. Another 
good plan is to draw or paint a turkey gobbler and give 
each child a feather from his tail to be pinned on. The 
reward may be a turkey candy box. 

DECORATION FOR A HOLIDAY WEDDING 

Turn an upright piano with the back to the front 
of the room, massing ferns and palms on either side. 
Festoon with smilax and place cathedral candles with 
tall bouquets on either end. This gives a most satis- 
factory altar effect for a home wedding. Light the 
rooms with candles. Have a number of holders made 
some three, four, and five feet in height and place tall 
candles in them. Use smaller candlesticks on the man- 
tels and on the top of bookcases. From the doors and 
windows suspend bells, stars, and wreaths of green tied 
with broad red satin ribbon or scarlet and green gauze. 

[214] 



ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 

For the favors at the bridal table have white or red 
satin bell-shaped candy boxes tied with ribbon holding 
sprays of holly and mistletoe. These will contain 
wedding cake or bonbons. Have the table decorations 
all of holly, using cut glass candlesticks with red shades. 
Sprinkle the table and holly with diamond dust. The 
ices may be in the shape of a star surrounded by a 
wreath of holly. For the souvenirs for the bridal party 
have pins made to represent holly leaves in a wreath. 
This is done by clever enameling. 

IDEAS FOR THE CHRISTMAS TABLE 

Here are a few ideas for Christmas tables, most of 
them simple but effective. 

Suspend a holly wreath, well covered on both sides, 
from the chandelier. Arrange holders for candles in 
the wreath, which, when lighted, make a circle of fire. 
Use white and red candles. Underneath on the table 
make a white tissue paper snowball over a frame of 
wire, brush with liquid glue or thin paste, and sprinkle 
with "powdered snow" or diamond dust. Run from 
this red ribbons to each place, first concealing within it 
the favors or snapping motto caps. Rest the snowball 
on a doily of holly sprays. 

Tall glass or brass candlesticks with white tapers at 
the corners of the table complete this attractive scheme. 

A centerpiece which always pleases either children 
or grown ups is the miniature tree with its wealth of 
ornaments. Surround the tree with toy reindeer on a 
sparkling white cloth scattered over the holly leaves. 
Light the wee tapers on the tree just before the guests 
enter. 

[215] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

Quite the prettiest table I ever saw was one at which 
each of the twelve guests had a tiny individual tree in 
a white, holly-decorated china jardiniere. The name 
cards were tied to the trees. In the center of the table 
was a Santa Claus in his parcel-laden sled drawn by 
eight reindeer. The boxes to hold home-made Christ- 
mas sweets were in the shape of snowballs. 

Try carrying out the star eflfect also by making a 
large five-pointed star of cardboard and sewing the 
holly leaves to it. Candles may be arranged around 
the edge, or tiny red electric Hght bulbs. Have star- 
shaped place cards and use poinsettias with red gauze 
ribbon at the corners of the table. 

A centerpiece of exquisite white and purple grapes 
with golden oranges arranged in a copper or brass bowl 
is good. The place card may be a hand-painted Santa 
Claus. 

At a children's party, a centerpiece which never fails 
to please, is made of the imitation red brick candy boxes 
built into a chimney on the table, with old St. Nicholas 
on top, his pack bulging with parcels. Each child is 
given a brick from the chimney and a gift from the pack. 

One ingenious mother whose children had tried nearly 
every kind of a Jack Horner pie invented this one. 
On the center of the table she built a very realistic hill, 
covered it with cotton batting, planted a small pole 
flying the stars and stripes at the top, placed a few 
polar bears (from the toy section) about, and some 
Eskimo dollies. From all sides of the hill, coming 
through the cotton, were red and green ribbons attached 
to tiny shovels bearing holly-decorated cards having 
the children's names on them. After the refreshments 

[216] 



ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 

had been served the children were told to pull the rib- 
bons and dig in the snow for the hidden treasure which 
was surely to be discovered at the north pole. And 
what fun they had unearthing the spoils, which were all 
Christmas favors and toys. 

THE LAND OF THE SNOW 

The invitations said: ''You are invited to make a 
visit to the land of snow next Wednesday at the home 
of Mary Brown, from three to five o'clock." The 
children, some twenty in number, were greatly mystified 
and could hardly wait until the appointed time. Here 
is what they found: A room completely transformed 
into a land of snow by the plentiful use of cotton and 
diamond dust, lots of evergreens and small trees. The 
cotton flakes had apparently descended like a big 
snowstorm upon all the furniture, the piano, the mantel, 
and table. Then there were tiny icicles of glass hanging 
from every available place where they could be hung by 
a bit of invisible wire. After all had arrived, a pile of 
cotton snowballs was uncovered and the children di- 
vided into sides. Then ensued the very merriest of 
ball fights. Inside of each ball was a httle souvenir. 
Next papers and pencils were passed and each child 
was requested to draw something connected with winter 
and snow. The little people were busy for ten min- 
utes, which seemed an interminable time to them, and 
the result of their labor was really quite interesting. 
There were a sled, reindeer, Santa Claus, a snow fort, 
etc. Mother and two assisting friends judged the 
pictures and awarded prizes. 

The next stunt was a delight, for there was a tiny 

[217] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

artificial tree for each guest with an allotment of wee 
ornaments, tinsel, and tiny papers to trim a tree for 
dolly. WTien it was time for refreshments these trees 
were Hghted and put on the table. But — that table! 
And the children's "ohs" and "ahs'M There in the 
middle was a splendid cotton hill down which dolls 
were sUding on little sled candy boxes. There were 
toboggans, too, and a miniature sleigh in which Santa 
Glaus sat in state, driving his ''eight tiny reindeer." 

The menu was carried out in white. There was clam 
bouillon capped with whipped cream first. Then came 
beaten biscuit, hard-boiled eggs with a sauce of creamy 
white, chicken sandmches, and white grape salad with 
ice-cream snowballs for dessert. The snow hill was 
demoUshed at the finish and a sled with its slider given 
to each child. But this was not the end of surprises, 
for in the hall was found another snow-bank and there 
were shovels tied with red ribbon for the boys and blue 
for the girls. They were told to dig and this snow- 
bank proved a perfect treasure box. It was made of 
sand covered with cotton snow, and buried in it were a 
lot of trinkets collected at the ten-cent store and favor 
counters. All declared that this "snow party" was 
the very best ever and the mother said that the prepara- 
tion had been a real joy. 

A CHRISTMAS POEM 

I WONDER if this charming little poem is not just the 
one the mother wants who is looking for something for 
the small son or daughter to learn to speak in Sunday- 
school for the Ghristmas Sunday exercises? It is easy 
to commit and will no doubt linger always in the mind 

[218] 



ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 

of the one who learns it, for it is a fact that what we 
memorize in childhood usually stays with us to life's 
end, so let us be careful to teach real **gems" to our 
children. 

THE ADORATION OF THE WISE MEN 

Saw you never in the twilight. 

When the sun had left the skies, 
Up in heaven the clear stars shining 

Through the gloom like silver eyes? 
So of old the Wise Men watching, 

Saw a little stranger star, 
And they knew the King was given, 

And they follow'd it from far. 

Heard you never of the story. 

How they cross'd the desert wild. 
Journeyed on by plain and mountain. 

Till they found the Holy Child.? 
How they open'd all their treasure, 

Kneeling to that infant King, 
Gave the gold and fragrant incense, 

Gave the myrrh in oflFering? 

Eiiow ye not that lowly Baby 

Was the bright and morning star, 
He who came to light the Gentiles, 

And the darken'd isles afar.? 
And we yet may seek his cradle, 

There our best loved treasures bring. 
Love, and faith, and true devotion. 

For our Saviour, God, and King. 

Cecil Frances Alexander 
[219] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

A CHRISTMAS TREE FOR DOLLY 

For children who are of dollhouse age, and it's pretty 
hard to define at just what period in girlhood that age 
ends, nothing will be found more satisfactory than a 
doll's party to be given at this season. Let the notes 
sent from the doll who is to be the hostess be written 
on very small stationery. Have a small tree trimmed 
with diminutive ornaments and light it with candles 
no bigger than a match. Gifts for each doll should 
be wrapped up and marked. Everything used by 
adults is now made for dolly, and the wants of baby 
dolls, boy and girl dolls, and dolls from foreign 
countries may all be supplied. The articles for the 
kitchen and the furniture for the rest of the house are 
fascinating even to those of us who are far past the 
doll age. Serve simple refreshments on the doll's 
dishes, and I assure you this Christmas tree will live 
in the memory of the children for many a year to 
come. 

A CHRISTMAS CARD PARTY 

This party was unique in many ways, as the hostess 
endeavored to observe many of the Christmas symbols. 
Of course, the decorations consisted of wreaths of ever- 
green and holly, festoons of roped greens, clusters of 
mistletoe suspended by red ribbon, and quantities of 
red and white candles with red and white frosted shades. 

The invitations were ornamented with holly sprays, 
the red berries cut out at the top of the note-paper. 
A small lad dressed as Santa Claus delivered these 
missives. In a large bay window there was a tree 

[220] 



ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 

lighted with electricity, with stocking-shaped score 
cards, red pencils, tiny candy canes, and hundreds of 
wee favors for keeping the score. Santa Claus was on 
duty all the evening distributing the counters after 
each game. To facilitate things, these trinkets were 
tied to the tree in bunches, and there were as many 
bunches as there were games played. Over the head 
table was a large bell ornamented with holly, and the 
table had a baton with which the bell was struck. The 
prizes were done up in paper with red ribbons crossed 
with green ones, ending in a good big rosette. The 
knack of doing up pretty packages is fast becoming a 
real art. Refreshments were served at the card table 
and consisted of tomato soup with a spoonful of whipped 
cream, tiny buttered biscuit, scalloped oysters in rame- 
kins, with a sprig of holly on top, Waldorf salad in red 
apple cases, cheese wafers, and individual plum pud- 
dings for the finale. This was brought in surrounded 
by burning brandy and a holly wreath encircling each 
plate. During the game Christmas egg-nog was served 
from the big family punch bowl. 

CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR CHILDREN 

This affair was arranged primarily for young folks, 
but I think it would be jolly fun for grown ups. There 
were twenty-five guests, so there were the same number 
of little fish whittled out of wood by the handy man of 
the family. Each fish had a small screw eye in its back. 
Then there was a large wash-tub placed in the middle 
of the room, decorated with holly and evergreen, to 
represent a pond. 

In the invitations the guests were asked to bring, 

[221] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

securely wrapped, a gift not to cost over ten cents. 
A member of the family received the packages and 
numbered them. Fishes with numbers corresponding 
were then placed in the tub. Each fisherman was given 
a pole and line upon which there was a hook, and all 
began to fish at the same time. The one catching the 
first fish was awarded an extra prize, also the one who 
hooked the last. There were no unlucky anglers, and 
when each had caught a fish the package bearing the 
duplicate number was brought out, and what a merry 
time followed. The sounds come echoing down the 
years right now. The dining-room table had a big 
mirror for a pond, and on it was a large-sized Noah's 
ark. Around the table, safe on dry land, were the 
animals, each tied to the ark by a long bit of red ribbon. 
As they marched around the table each child took an 
animal, and at a given signal all pulled. Wee barley 
sugar animals came out of the ark. It is certainly a 
delight to find these quaint confections made of pure 
barley sugar on the market. They disappeared for 
many years, and even now I believe they are imported, 
as are many of our holiday confections. 

WAYS OF GIVING PRESENTS 

All of us love mystery and especially at this season 
when there are countless opportunities of doing things 
for our friends, both rich and poor. It is well to devise 
pretty and unusual ways in which to present our gifts, 
although they may be very simple in character. One 
mother I know is going to have unique candy boxes to 
contain not only sweetmeats, but presents too. For 
instance, her husband is a coal merchant. At his plate 

[ 222 ] 



ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 

there is to be a most realistic lump of coal, and con- 
cealed in the almonds, of which he is very fond, there 
is to be a necktie clasp made after a special design. 

A Japanese dolly with a cunningly devised box con- 
cealed in her body will contain a turquoise ring (the 
December stone) for the young daughter of the house. 
The carpenter son, who has expressed a desire for tools, 
will find a candy hammer filled with his favorite choco- 
lates and a scarf pin. The college lad who needs 
slippers Tvdll find them in a huge wooden shoe surrounded 
by caramels wrapped in oiled paper. All these are to 
be surprises at the table after the regular distribution 
from the tree. This mother believes in sprinkling sur- 
prises all through the day, — not in having everything 
all over in the morning and the rest of the day Tsdth 
"nothing doing." In this household, interest and curi- 
osity never lag from early dawn till the midnight hour. 
All enter into a good-natured rivalry to see who can 
invent the best and most original methods of giving the 
presents. 

A YULETIDE WEDDING 

If a "maiden fair to see, on Christmas day a bride 
will be," she will be glad to read of this idea carried 
out with great success in a family noted for having good 
times. The children in the household, and there was 
a gathering of the clans on that Christmas, with its 
double celebration, had their tree and their own gifts 
on Christmas eve. Then on Christmas morning the 
tree was again laden with gifts for the bride, for they 
all agreed to present their gifts that way. The house 
was elaborately decorated Tvdth wreaths, stars, and bells 

[223] 



h 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

of holly and mistletoe. Red and white candles sparkled 
everywhere and the guests showered the happy pair 
with red and white confetti, presented to them for that 
purpose, in paper cornucopias. 

An informal dance followed in which many of the 
stately old-time figures were revived. The maids wore 
wreaths of holly and carried holly muffs with "shower" 
attached of holly and mistletoe. I think it was just 
about the j oiliest wedding ever, don't you? 

CHRISTMAS TREE PARTY 
Send out invitations like this : 

Come and see 

Our Christmas tree 
Wednesday next, 

At half-past three. 

Decorate the invitation with a row of trees across the 
top. Next, after you have delivered or mailed the 
cards, get busy and make a circle of four cards of white 
paper cambric to be pinned or tacked down to the floor 
around the tree. Next draw or paint Roman letters 
or plain figures and place to represent the face of a 
clock. Have the favors or gifts wrapped in red paper 
tied with gold or silver cord and place them at each 
number. When the children enter, tell them to join 
hands and circle around the tree singing to the tune of 
"Here we go round the Mulberry Bush": 

Here we go round the Christmas tree. 
Here we go round the Christmas tree, 
Here we go round the Christmas tree, 
With merry hearts and Christmas glee. 
[224] 



ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 

x\t a given signal agreed upon all should halt suddenly 
and each child should pick up the parcel before which 
he or she stops. A guessing game like this follows, to 
last only a few moments or as long as the youngsters 
seem interested: 

Send one person out of the room while the others 
decide upon a figure on the clock's face. When called 
to enter, the outsider has two guesses to see which was 
the lucky number. If rightly guessed the place is 
taken and the one having it goes out. If not guessed 
the unlucky one retires and sits down. Before going 
home sing this song. It may be set to most any tune 
the children like. I once heard it to "Yankee Doodle." 

Oh ! dainty Christmas tree ! 

You came from woodlands deep. 
Where winds were blowing chill. 

And flowers were asleep. 
Now on your branches wide 

The strangest fruit you bear, 
With pretty toys for girls and boys. 

For children everywhere. 

CHORUS 

Christmas tree ! Christmas tree ! 

Shining bright and fair. 
The dearest tree in all the world 

To children everywhere. 

Serve gingerbread figures trimmed with colored 
icing, and hot chocolate. Have ice-cream if you like 
and if the ''kiddies" are not already too full with 
Christmas stuffing. 

[225] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

THE PEDIGREE OF SANTA CLAUS 

Did you know that the original name of our friend 
Santa Claus was Nicholas, and that he was bishop of 
Myra when a very young man? After his death the 
Church made him the children's saint. The festival 
held in his honor was begun on the sixth day of 
December. In ancient days the English churches 
selected a choir-boy to represent the saint, and in a 
costume befitting the occasion he went about the 
homes in the parish and received gifts of money 
and sweetmeats. In the changes that time brings 
this custom was transferred to our Christmas Day. 
This is one of the many stories connected with Santa 
Claus and Christmas time. 

CHRISTMAS SENTIMENTS 

Bring frost, bring snow; 

Come winter; bring us holly; 
Bring joy at Christmas — 

Off with melancholy. 

Mack 

Welcome be Thou, Heavenly King, 
Welcome born on this morning; 
Welcome for whom we shall sing 

Welcome Yule! 
Welcome be ye who are here. 
Welcome all, and make good cheer, 
Welcome all another year, 

Welcome Yule! 

Old Yule Carol 
[226] 



ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 

Sing ho, sing hey 

For the hoKday, 
Sing hey for good Christmas cheer; 

But quaflF one glass 

To the days that pass — 
The last of the grand old year. 

L. A. S. 

Lordlings, Christmas loves good drinking, 

Wines of Gascogne, France, Anjou, 
English ales that drive out thinking, 

Prince of liquors old and new. 
Every neighbor shares the bowl. 

Drinks the spicy liquor deep. 
Drinks his fill without control. 

Till he drowns his care in sleep. 

Old Song 

The boar's head in hand bring I, 
With garlands gay and rosemary. 
I pray you all sing merrily 
"Qui est is in convivio" 

chorus: 
Caput apri defero 
Reddens laudens cantico. 

Old English Carol 

"Not what we give, but what we share. 
For the gift without the giver is bare; 
Who gives himself with his alms feeds three — 
Himself, his hungering neighbor, and Me." 

Lowell 
[ 227 ] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS CAROL 

In an old manuscript in the British Museum the 
eariiest Christmas carol known was discovered. It is 
said to have been written in the thirteenth century and 
is as follows: 

"Lordlings, listen to our lay; 
We have come from far away 

To seek Christmas. 
In this mansion, we are told, 
He his yearly feast doth hold; 

'Tis today. 
May joy come from God above 
To all those who Christmas love/* 

HOLIDAY PARTY 

Here is how a holiday party was given once upon 
a time. 

It was in a frigid country, where snow and ice are to 
be found a good six months of the year, but where 
hospitality and winter sports are proverbial. It was a 
white affair, with quantities of silver decorations, which 
were lovely. The invitations were on heavy white 
paper ornamented with wreaths in silver and silver 
lettering. The big music-room was gorgeous with 
silver tinsel and holly wreaths tied with red ribbon and 
silver gauze. The combination was beautiful. The 
lamps were shaded with white and silver and the candle 
shades for the table were of the same colors. 

The first game was a pretty one. A large wreath of 
frosted holly leaves was suspended by silver cords. In 
the center was a cluster of silvered sleigh bells. Each 

[ 228 ] 



ENTERTAINING IN DECEMBER 

guest was handed three white rubber balls and allowed 
three throws at the bells. If any throw made the bells 
jingle, a prize of a silver paper box of silver-wrapped 
bonbons was awarded. 

Then a silver-leaved wreath was laid flat upon the 
table containing a number of white candles. The 
guests were blindfolded and the one who succeeded in 
blowing out the largest number of candles at one blow 
was given a pretty box tied with silver cord. On the 
box was written "For a Blower," and it was found to 
contain a handkerchief. In this game the prizes were 
the same for the boy and the girl. 

The dining-room table was a thing of beauty. It 
was first covered with cotton sprinkled with quantities 
of diamond dust. The edge of the table was outlined 
with silver leaves, and wreaths of the same leaves 
surrounded the plates. A small gift tree was in the 
center, trimmed entirely in white and silver, with red 
electric lights. Just imagine how pretty it all looked. 
The place cards were frosted silver and white bells 
and were hung from the tumblers by silver paper 
birds. A large white cake with red candles was cut 
with ceremony and favors of silver were found inside 
for the guests. 

HIGH TEA FOR HOLIDAY WEEK 

With the young people home from college and school 
what could be nicer than a ''high tea''? With the 
Christmas decorations still in place the house will be 
ready and every one in "holiday humor." It is quite 
permissible to use a holly-decorated card, cut star- 
shaped or in the likeness of a fat red stocking, the 

[ 229 ] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

writing in white or gold ink. If convenient to do so, 
seat the guests four at a table. Men Hke this way 
better than the buffet style, but the latter is correct if 
the crowd is too large to seat. I think twenty or thirty 
is a good number, as that many make a jolly informal 
party. Serve jellies, turkey, sandwiches, hot buttered 
finger rolls, olives, fruit salad, chicken salad, ice-cream 
in fancy molds, assorted small cakes, bonbons, egg-nog 
in the pimch bowl. Have holly and mistletoe in every 
available place. Some one to play college songs will 
make a lively time, and, if you Hke, an impromptu 
dance may follow. The hours should be from four to 
seven. These dayUght dances are very popular with 
young people. 



[230] 



ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS 
AND SHOWERS 



ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS AND 

SHOWERS 

TWO WAYS TO ANNOUNCE AN ENGAGEMENT 




EN girls were asked to a luncheon 
with no idea of the news to be 
told them. 

The place cards were decorated 
with a Cupid blowing on a mega- 
phone, from which letters were fly- 
ing all over the card in pink and 
gilt. It was some minutes before anyone discovered 
that the pink letters spelled a girl's first name — 
"Margery" — and the gilt letters spelled ''Burt." It 
is needless to say that congratulations followed. 

The other announcement was discovered when the 
well-known strains of the "Lohengrin" wedding march, 
followed by Mendelssohn's, were heard by the dinner 
guests at the table. Then before any one really realized 
the significance, the bridegroom-elect rose and sung the 
toast so famihar from "Old Heidelberg," "Here's to 
the Girl I love." This was just at the conclusion of 
the feast as the guests lingered over the "walnuts and 
wine." The fiancee received most hearty good wishes 
and every one was delighted with the way the announce- 
ment was made. 

[233] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

A NOVEL ANNOUNCEMENT 

It was at a card club. Refreshments had been served 
when the hostess said she had a Httle amusement scheme 
which she wished to try. Accordingly she passed 
small envelopes sealed with a tiny red heart. We were 
told that all the letters of one color spelled a word and 
that the words when made into a sentence would tell 
us a bit of interesting news. The first to make out her 
sentence read "Mary Jones, engaged"; another made 
out **Dick Hall, engaged, also"; still another had "To 
be married"; and the last one read "November tenth." 
In this way the announcement was made and the pretty 
daughter of the hostess, who was to be the bride, came 
forth to receive the congratulations of her mother's 
friends. 

AN ANNOUNCEMENT DINNER 

In years gone by when a girl was to be married she 
had a wedding either large or small according to her 
pocketbook and her own individual wishes. Now, 
when there is to be a wedding, the engagement is 
announced with due pomp and ceremony entailing 
oftentimes a large social affair. Then all the aunts and 
cousins on both sides of the house plan an array of 
parties. Just before the wedding there are showers 
galore, until the much feted bride is fairly surfeited, 
and then comes the wedding day. 

After the honeymoon all the people who entertained 
for the bride-elect feel in duty bound to invite the happy 
pair to a round of parties until, as one newly wed hus- 
band expressed it, he felt as if out of self -protection he 

[ 234 ] 



ANNOUNCEMENTS 

and his wife would be forced to take to the tall timbers 
in order to become acquainted with each other and 
avoid the public eye long enough to get rested. 

But I started out to tell of a most charming announce- 
ment dinner given recently to the young people to be 
included in a bridal party. The centerpiece was a 
gorgeous heart of pink carnations. The place cards 
were tied to dainty pink bows and arrows. 

The following was the menu which was rather unusual. 
The cards were heart-shaped and the writing was done 
in gold. Soup, cream of love apples (tomato); "chick- 
ens that have lost their hearts," were chicken breasts 
made into cutlets; ''turtle dove salad " was made from 
squabs served in heart-shaped cases. The ice-cream 
was in true-lovers' knots and the cakes were ''kisses." 
The bonbon boxes at each place were pink satin hearts 
with the initials of the couple done in gold. With the 
dessert the maid brought in a Jack Horner pie in shape 
of a beautiful pink wedding bell. The ribbons of pink 
were drawn by the girls and the ones of blue by the men. 
On the end of each was a card bearing the two names 
and such requests as : " Will you be our maid of honor .^^ " 
"Will you serve as our best man?" etc. 

Every one was wildly excited, of course, and became 
more so when the coffee was served in the drawing-room 
and the gifts to the attendants were given by the bride 
and bridegroom-elect. For the girls there were parasol 
handles of carved ivory, for the men equally stunning 
handles for umbrellas. Each one was asked what color 
he or she would select for the covers and was invited to 
a dinner to be given in the new home, immediately 
after the honeymoon trip (which was to be of short 

[235] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

duration) at which time the umbrellas and parasols 
were to be presented. This was certainly an innovation 
in wedding gifts and one that was very practical. 

FAVORS FOR AN ENGAGEMENT LUNCHEON 

A GIRL who became engaged had six intimate girl 
friends to whom she broke the news in this unusual 
way. It happened that in the spring they each had 
had linen suits made. She obtained a piece of each 
which, with her clever fingers, she fashioned into card 
cases four inches by eleven in size. The edges, top, and 
bottom were neatly stitched together. Small inter- 
laced monograms were done in the lower right-hand 
corner. Inside the cases the visiting cards of bride 
and bridegroom were placed with the date of wedding. 
The cases were laid at each table plate and served for 
place cards as well as favors. It is needless to say the 
guests were delighted and more than astonished at the 
denouement, 

PLACE CARDS FOR ENGAGEMENT 
ANNOUNCEMENT 

A YOUNG woman used these cards at the luncheon 
her mother gave to make known her engagement. A 
web of delicate silver cord (like we use for holiday 
parcels) was sewed upon a pink heart-shaped card, a 
wee silver heart being seemingly caught in its meshes. 
The monogram of the happy pair was done in silver 
underneath the web. After the dessert was served, 
stiff white cards seven inches square were passed with 
pink pencils and each guest was asked to plan an ideal 
house for the couple. These the bride kept for "future 

[236] 



ANNOUNCEMENTS 

reference." A silver loving cup was passed filled with 
claret lemonade and each girl drank a toast to the new 
home and its charming mistress. 

THE BRIBERS BOUQUET 

An up-to-date bride carried a beautiful shower 
bouquet made in six sections. When she went upstairs 
to prepare for going away she stood on the landing, 
loosened the flowers, and threw them over the railing 
to her maid of honor and five maids. Three of the 
sections had the typical gifts often concealed in the 
wedding cake, viz., a coin (in this instance a gold 
dollar), a charming little finger ring, and a golden 
thimble prophesying to the winners, respectively, 
wealth, marriage within the year, and single blessedness. 
The attendants were all debutantes, and this little 
episode created much merriment. 

A MILITARY ANNOUNCEMENT 

An innovation in announcements is always welcome 
and I am glad to tell of this one. Instead of giving a 
luncheon eight girls were asked to dinner. All unsus- 
pecting they appeared at the appointed hour. On 
going into the dining-room, though, the secret was out. 
Over the table hung a wedding bell. The table had been 
made from round to long for this occasion, and down 
an aisle formed by wee artificial trees in porcelain jars 
such as are found in the favor department came a 
complete wedding party even to the flower girls, ring 
bearer, etc. The men of the party were in uniforms of 
cavalry men of the United States Army and there were 
silk flags festooned upon the wall. The minister was 

[237] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

in black surplice and stole. Even a tiny gilt cross 
showed, while his open book bore the date of the 
approaching nuptials in writing as perfect as copper 
plate. The color scheme was yellow, as befitted a 
cavalryman's bride. Every one was delighted. The 
dolls' costumes were carried out entirely in crepe paper, 
except the bride's veil of tulle. After dinner the bell 
rang and "the man of the hour" appeared accom- 
panied by the men who were to be in the bridal party. 

TO FIND PARTNERS 

At an announcement party partners for the game the 
hostess had arranged were found in this way: Each 
lady was presented with a small mounted picture of the 
one-cent size now so easily obtainable. These pictures 
were all different, but each referred in some way to love. 
No two subjects were the same. To the gentlemen 
were given the same pictures also mounted, with the 
exception that theirs had been cut up into five or six 
irregular pieces and then pasted in all positions on the 
card, making it hard to discern just what its subject 
was. Of course, the gentlemen were supposed to search 
for the cards identical with their own and to claim 
the ladies holding them as their partners. 

This took some time and made loads of fun. Every 
one was in a delightfully happy humor and all ideas of 
formality vanished. 

CLEVER ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT 

No one thought when '* Polly " rang up a dozen of her 
best friends and asked them to come over for an in- 
formal evening what fun they were going to have or 

[238] 



ANNOUNCEMENTS 

what news they were going to hear. After a few pre- 
liminary games ''Polly" told all the girls to go upstairs. 
One at a time they were to answer the upstairs phone 
and see if they could recognize whose voice it was that 
would ask to be allowed to take them to dinner, or 
refreshments rather. 

All the boys had gone ''next door." They had lots 
of fun disguising their voices until all were guessed and 
came back to get their partners. The dining-room 
table was most unique. Each place had a candy box 
telephone containing bonbons and the guest's name 
on it. The centerpiece was a real telephone decorated 
with a huge bow of white satin ribbon, which was 
jauntily tied to the receiver. 

During the repast jolly messages from outside friends 
whom "Polly" had taken into her confidence were 
received. This added much merriment. Finally a 
"long distance" was announced for "Polly," but she 
appeared very busy and asked some one to take the 
message, which said: "Cupid Tvdshed to announce the 
engagement of Miss Polly Prim to Mr. Willard Ball," 
and said also that he would be in on the next train. 
Excitement ran high. "Polly" was showered with 
best wishes. In a few minutes the bell rang and the 
"man of the hour" arrived to take his share in the 
congratulations. "Polly's" telephone party was long 
remembered, and it was said to be the climax of many 
novel parties which she had originated. 

FOR THE BRIDAL TABLE 

At a dinner given by some college lads and lassies to 
a couple who had been very popular and whose engage- 

[239] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

ment was made during their college days, the following 
were some of the novel features. For a centerpiece 
there was a good-sized sailboat afloat on real water, 
which was supposed to represent the *'Sea of Matri- 
mony," and the name on the boat's side was '*Just 
Launched." The tw^o college colors were flying, and 
the cargo consisted of white roses and red carnations, 
the two class flowers. WTien the clear soup was served 
a tiny bark made of thin bit of toast with toothpick 
mast and paper sail floated in it, and the ices at the end 
were in the shape of ships, the bonbons being in tiny 
canoes. The two class colors were also in evidence in 
great bows of red and white tarlaten which adorned the 
chairs occupied by the honored guests. The latter 
acted as sponsors for the happy pair, and all gave toasts 
in honor of the newly launched craft, which was aptly 
referred to as ''We Two" in a rime read by one of the 
guests. » 

DAISY WEDDING DECORATION 

A BRIDE whose name was *' Daisy" had this dainty 
scheme carried out on the table at a luncheon given for 
her bridal maids. It was to be a daylight wedding at 
four o'clock and blue was the color she selected to go 
with the snow^ daisies. Over the table a gilded hoop 
was suspended by daisy chains and true-lovers' knots 
of blue satin ribbon. Radiating from the hoop to each 
plate were blue ribbons ending with tiny gilded slippers 
which held the salted almonds. To make merriment, 
the youthful guests found their places by symbols 
representing the occupation of the men who at that 
particular moment were attentive to them. In fact, 

[240] 



ANNOUNCEMENTS 

several of the girls already regarded these men as per- 
sonal property. Thus the maiden who had a doctor 
sweetheart found her place by a gilded pill box and a 
tiny vial. The gentleman farmer's bride-to-be found 
a miniature cow and a gilded pitchfork. The girl who 
had named the day had a wedding bell, and the fiancee 
of a banker had a little toy bank. The literary girl 
who proclaimed spinsterhood was given a doll's teapot 
and a black cat. 

NOVEL IDEA FOR A BRIDAL TABLE 

A BRIDE who wished to have something unusually 
significant for a wedding dinner table remembered the 
quaint old Bohemian custom of having the girls in the 
bridal party weave the wreath to be worn by the 
bride. So she asked the six maids to her home after 
the wedding rehearsal at the church the night before 
the ceremony. The florist had sent a box of rosemary 
and myrtle, wire and white satin ribbon, also a bolt of 
gauze and silver-edged ribbon. The maid of honor 
began the wreath, making a happy wish for the bride, 
then passed it on to the next girl, who made her wish. 
This continued until each girl had done her share 
and woven in her love thought. 

They made the wreath large enough to be used as a 
centerpiece for the dinner table and the caterer added 
sprays of real orange blossoms at the last moment before 
serving. The candle shades were of white satin and 
silver gauze, the sticks twined with myrtle. The place 
cards were of white satin ribbon, the names done in 
silver and a fringe of silver wedding bells across the end. 
These bells are inexpensive and may be purchased by 

[Ml] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

the dozen. Myrtle fashioned into wreaths was the 
favorite adornment of the Roman brides. A pretty 
way to use it where it grows plentifully is to have the 
bridesmaids carry garlands of it, forming an aisle 
through which the bride passes; or at a large wedding, 
flower girls might be specially asked, as many as neces- 
sary. 

ANNOUNCEMENT PARTY 

This was an evening party and on the invitations the 
hostess merely said "Cards." So the guests were 
surprised when the game '* Hearts" was proposed and 
the score cards were hearts for the girls and arrows for 
the men, each bearing a half of a quotation Uke this: 

On a heart — "Two souls with but a single thought." 
And on an arrow — "Two hearts that beat as one." 
Or — "Needles and pins, needles and pins," 
And — "When a man marries his trouble begins." 

When a perfect sentence was formed partners were 
chosen for the first game. Still the guests did not 
know just what all the love symbols meant. The cards 
were "Cupid" backed, and candy hearts pierced were 
strung on to the gilt card attached to the hearts and 
arrows to be used as score cards and markers for the 
game. For prizes there were heart-shaped picture 
frames in silver. The refreshments told the story, 
however, for on each plate of heart-shaped ice-cream 
lay a pink tulip, in the petals of which were tiny white 
hearts tied together with the names of the engaged pair 
written in gold ink. Congratulations followed. This 
announcement was a complete surprise, as not even 
the "best friends" suspected. 

[242] 



ANNOUNCEMENTS 

DESIGNS FOR BRIDAL TABLE PLACE CARDS 

I AM sorry I cannot give the designs, but I am sure 
any one clever with pencil and colors can evolve the 
suggestions into stunning cards. A canoe ''built for 
two" with a bride in the bow and a bridegroom at the 
paddle would make a very pretty decoration for one 
card. A "life" saving ring with the couple side by 
side upon it with the word ''Life" penciled on the ring 
is another unusual design. A yacht with bridegroom 
at the wheel and the bride at the tiller, the name on the 
boat being " Sweetheart, " would be appropriate. A 
trunk banded with white and pink ribbons, the names 
attached to heart-shaped tags on the end, and suit cases 
or bandboxes done the same way are favorites. A 
pipe blowing a bubble with a bride's face and part of 
the gown dimly outlined will do for one and a wedding 
cake on one end of the card ornamented with a couple 
arm in arm for another. All these suggestions may be 
worked out on heart or slipper shaped cards, not for- 
getting the ever popular wedding bell. One hostess 
used fans for these designs and the result was very 
effective. 

ENGAGEMENT RnOUNCEMENT 

A YOUNG woman who became engaged while abroad 
returned to her home city and made known her 
interesting bit of news in this manner: 

A dozen of her intimate friends were asked to luncheon 
and no one suspected it was for any purpose but to 
renew old friendships and hear about her trip. 

Imagine the surprise when the guests sat down to the 

[243] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

prettily decorated table and found at each place a tiny 
trunk to which was attached a wee card bearing the 
hostess' name and that of a man. On the other end 
of the trunk there were dolls' shoes attached by white 
ribbons. The trunks were filled with candies, puffed 
rice, and little pink and white hearts. It was a complete 
surprise, and how the girls did talk for the next hour. 

INTERESTING TO BRIDES-ELECT 

This is an ancient verse which may help a bride-to-be 
to decide upon the month in which to launch her ship 
upon the matrimonial sea: 

Married in January's hoar and rime. 
Widowed you'll be before your prime. 
Married in February's sleety weather. 
Life you'll tread in tune together. 
Married when March winds shrill and roar. 
Your home will be on a foreign shore. 
Married 'neath April's changeful skies, 
A checkered path before you lies. 
Married when bees o'er May blooms flit. 
Strangers around your board will sit. 
Married in month of roses — June — 
Life will be one lortBtoneymoon. 
Married in July, wiM flowers wlaze. 
Bitter-sweet memories in after days. 
Married in August's heat and drowse. 
Lover and friend in your el^gen spouse. 
Married in golden September's glow, 
Smooth and serene your life will flow. 
Married when leaves in October thin. 
Toil and hardship for you begin. 
[244] 



ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Married in veils of November mist, 
Dame Fortune your wedding-ring has kissed. 
Married in days of December's cheer. 
Love's star burns brighter from year to year. 

A HOSIERY SHOWER 

The hostess had made at a paper store a white crepe 
paper shoe about twenty inches long. It was laced with 
pink ribbon and the stitching, or where the stitching 
should have been, was done with narrow pink ribbon. 
The invitations asked the guests to send their pair of 
stockings very tightly rolled in white crepe paper. Pink 
satin ribbon was tied around the top to form the head 
of a doll, a face done on white letter paper with pen and 
ink (water-colors would be better) and pasted on the 
head. These funny babies were thrust into the shoe, 
having long pink ribbons running from them to the 
places where they were tied to the slipper-shaped place 
cards. At a signal from the hostess the ribbons were 
pulled and the stocking dolls were presented. The 
card of the donor was wrapped inside each doll package. 
This made loads of fun and was a diflferent way of 
showering the happy bride-elect. 

A PRENUPTIAL LUNCHEON 

This charming affair was given recently for a bride- 
elect. The table was a dream. In the center, to 
simulate a lake, was an oblong mirror surrounded by 
smilax and trailing vines. On this lake white swans 
floated, holding in their beaks narrow green ribbon 
which radiated to the place of each guest, where a 
swan was fastened to the place card. These birds had 

[ 245 ] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

a box under the wings, large enough to contain the salted 
almonds. Pale green candles were at each plate in 
glassholders. In the beak of each swan was the 
smallest of envelopes, sealed with a gilt heart. The 
card inclosed bore the names of the engaged couple. 
Celery soup with chopped parsley sprinkled over the 
top was served first, then creamed sweet breads in 
heart-shaped pastry shells, Saratoga potatoes, hot rolls, 
white grape and nut salad, pistachio ice-cream in form 
of hearts, with an arrow of white. Individual heart 
cakes completed this green and white luncheon. Creme 
de menthe was passed in the drawing-room afterward 
and all gave toasts to the honored guest. 

The hostess wore white with green trimmings. A 
pretty feature was crowning the bride with a wreath of 
myrtle for good luck, and she gave each maid a pink 
garter to wear for a year to bring success in all affairs 
of the heart. 

A "SWEET AND SOUR" SHOWER 

Here is a novel affair I heard of for a bride who was 
going right to housekeeping in a cozy little house just 
built for two. She had been a neighborhood favorite 
for years and the girls and boys all wished to make 
this informal affair as funny as possible. There were 
about thirty, and they met at one house, each bringing 
a jar of something sweet and something sour. These 
jars were packed in a clothes basket and carried to the 
home of the bride-elect. Her family knew of the plan 
and served light refreshments. Each jar was marked 
with the name of the donor and a sentiment to be read 
aloud. In some instances recipes for the contents 

[246] 



ANNOUNCEMENTS 

accompanied the jars. I think this would be a most 
practical and acceptable shower for Easter and an 
Easter card could be tied to each parcel. 

A CAP SHOWER 

A COUPLE of weeks before this affair took place the 
hostess asked the eight guests to her house to talk it 
over and apportion the work. It was decided to make 
a couple of elaborate boudoir caps, one of fancy allover 
lace, made over pink satin with rosebuds and knotted 
pink ribbons, and one of white mull and swiss em- 
broidery over blue forget-me-nots and blue satin-edged 
gauze ribbon. Then there were to be two sweeping 
or cleaning caps of white, with embroidery and lace 
frills, and a perfumed cap to be put on after a sham- 
poo. The expense of all was to be equally divided 
between them. 

On the appointed day luncheon was served at one 
o'clock. The centerpiece was a gilded basket filled 
with pink roses and trailing vines, a huge blue and pink 
bow on the handle. At each place small doll bandboxes 
covered with delicate wall paper held the bonbons. 
A name tag showed where the guests w^ere to sit. 
First, strawberries were served, with the hulls on. 
They were in little rustic boxes made of birch bark, 
with white caps of powdered sugar on the plates. The 
sweet breads were in hat-shaped cases, and served with 
them were delicious rice croquettes and green peas. 
A rather unique salad followed, made of tiny new beets 
in white hearts of lettuce, garnished with hard-boiled 
eggs cut in rings. The ice-cream was in hat cases and 
the tiny cakes were ornamented with true-lovers' knots 

[247] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

done in pink and blue. When dessert was being served, 
a coquettish French maid hurried into the room, her 
arms filled with gaily decorated ribbon-tied bandboxes, 
and asked breathlessly for Mademoiselle Blank — the 
honored guest. She deposited the boxes, helped untie 
them and adjust the pretty caps on the surprised 
maiden's brown tresses. Amid exclamations of deUght 
each one was admired, after which all were replaced 
and tied up in the boxes. The French maid was a 
young girl of about fourteen, who wore a short black 
skirt and black waist, silk hose, black slippers, turn- 
back cuffs and collar of dotted swiss, a dotted swiss 
bib apron, and a white cap with black velvet bow. 
She was studying French, and very happy to take the 
part. 

SHOWERS FOR A BRIDEGROOM 

It all came about in this way: There was to be a 
wedding and the bride was a much entertained lady. 
One night the men who were to be in the bridal party 
decided that a bridegroom was a neglected individual, 
etc. The result was that he received the following 
invitation, a copy of which was sent to about twenty 
of his most intimate friends: 

"A 'shower' will be given at the home of Mr. J. F. 
Black in honor of Mr. C. G. White on Tuesday night. 
Please bring an article suitable for him in the new life 
he is about to undertake." 

The men entered into the spirit of the thing and the 
result was amusing in the extreme, so those say who 
were fortunate enough to get a detailed description. 
There was not a girl in evidence, though the best man's 

[248] 



ANNOUNCEMENTS 

sister arranged for the refreshments, flowers, and place 
cards. Here are some of the articles contributed, all 
done up in tissue paper tied with ribbons : 

A box of collar buttons, razor strop, silk hose, sus- 
penders, garters, shaving brush, a tack hammer, bath 
sHppers, cup and saucer. Many of the gifts were 
accompanied with rimes, which were read aloud as 
each parcel was opened. 

The ushers and best man planned the shower, and 
it is said from henceforth the prenuptial entertainments 
will not be confined to the bride, at least in this town, 
for everyone declared that the bridegrooms of the future 
would be as much feted as the brides. 

It is an idea that may be carried out at stag parties 
and add lots of fun. 

Another bunch of jolly chaps who were up to all 
kinds of jokes thought that the men were much neg- 
lected in the round of gay affairs given for a bride-to-be. 
So they asked the groom-elect to come to a stag dinner 
to be given in his honor. After the repast the bell rang 
and a messenger brought in a most dilapidated umbrella, 
with a bouquet of artificial flowers and vegetables tied 
to the handle with white mosquito netting and narrow 
tape, to which tiny radishes were tied at intervals like 
a shower bouquet. It was presented with all solemnity 
to the astonished man, who received it with much grace 
and gravity. He untied the bow that held the bulging 
sides together and brought forth a variety of ungainly 
packages done up in brown paper with cards attached, 
bearing all manner of good advice and admonitions 
as to his future conduct. Amid gales of laughter he 

[ 249 ] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

opened the parcels and found himself the possessor of 
a tack hammer, package of tacks, a screw-driver, can 
opener, corkscrew, a box of shoe blacking, a cook book, 
a denim cushion, "for his own use"; a needle book con- 
taining large needles, a thimble and buttons to use 
"when wife goes home to mother." Needless to say, 
the evening was replete with fun, and it was the talk 
of the town for weeks after. 

A NOVEL SHOWER 

A GIRL who was to marry and go to Maine to live was 
the recipient of this pretty and novel shower. She 
was invited to luncheon at the home of her best girl 
friend and found a most exquisite table ornamented 
with a circle of small pine trees, each in a white jar- 
diniere. Alternating with the trees were glass candle- 
sticks holding green candles capped by white shades. 
Inside this circle was a huge wedding cake, on top of 
which were a miniature bride and bridegroom. All 
went merry as the proverbial marriage bell, tongues 
flew and the bride-to-be told of her new home. When 
the ices were served the honored guest was asked to 
cut the cake — and behold, her knife went right through 
into white tissue paper. She found a shower of dainty 
and useful articles concealed within the fake cake, 
which in reality was a cheese box topped with tissue 
paper and thin card board, which had been cleverly 
iced over. 

A PANSY LUNCHEON AND SHOWER 

We all know that pansies stand for "thoughts" and 
"remembrance," so the centerpiece was a huge mound 
[250] 



ANNOUNCEMENTS 

of glorious "people" flowers, as a little child once called 
them. A pretty gilded basket was filled with damp 
sand and the pansies were just as if growing. At each 
place a small basket was filled with them, the handle 
tied with lavender and purple ribbon. Smilax was 
twined around the large basket in the center and was 
knotted in the ribbons. The effect was lovely and 
unusual. The place cards were pansy-shaped, with the 
names done in violet and gold ink. With the first 
course the bride-elect was presented with a tin funnel 
filled with pansies, a lace paper frill around it, and a 
gauze bow. All the parcels were either done up in 
lavender paper or, if not wrapped, bore a bow of ribbon 
tied to a bunch of pansies. 

A few of the gifts were presented with each course, 
being brought in by a young sister of the hostess dressed 
in a gay lavender and purple kimono, with big bunches 
of pansies in her "Jap" dressed hair. 

Reading the happy "thoughts" expressed by the 
guests added much to the occasion. They were written 
on pansy-decorated cards, which the hostess had sent 
beforehand to each one. Afterward they were tied 
together by a purple cord and given to the honored 
guest. This was said to have been one of the prettiest 
affairs ever given to a bride-to-be. 

A BAG SHOWER 

This shower was given for a bride-elect by just ten 
friends. Each one was asked to bring a bag. They 
consulted so that there would be no two alike. The 
result was the following: A sponge bag, bag for soiled 
collars and cuffs, handkerchief bag, bag for carrying 

[251] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

rubbers and sandals, dust-cloth bag, several piece bags, 
opera and party bags, a beautifully equipped shopping 
bag, a bag of point d'esprit filled with individual rolls 
of cotton, tied with various colored baby ribbon, for 
the powder box; a denim bag filled with corks of all 
sizes for the kitchen, and many cleverly devised sewing 
or work bags, all of which delighted the bride-to-be. 

A HANDKERCHIEF SHOWER 

This was a pretty and novel handkerchief shower. 
There were twenty guests and each was asked to send 
the kerchief to the hostess the day before. She made 
charming roses of pink tissue paper, concealing the 
handkerchief in the center. All these roses had the 
cards of donors attached by a bit of narrow white and 
pink gauze ribbon and were made into a shower bou- 
quet which was placed in a florist's box and delivered 
by a special messenger after all the guests had arrived. 
The bride-to-be disliked to tear open the roses, but that 
was what she was told to do. She was a radiant young 
maiden when the twenty dainty additions to her trous- 
seau were revealed. 

Ice-cream was served in shape of roses and the cakes 
were ornamented with candy roses. 

A BASKET SHOWER 

Did you ever happen to think how many varieties of 
baskets there are.^^ I never did until my attention was 
called to the fact by a novel basket shower given for a 
bride-to-be. 

The hostess asked each guest to bring a basket of 
some description. As the twenty-four guests were all 

[252] 



ANNOUNCEMENTS 

intimate friends they consulted among themselves, so 
the selections made did not include duplicates. There 
was a stunning brown Wistaria waste-basket; one of 
same weave to hold fruit; a market basket made by a 
Dutch peasant; a clothes basket; tiny covered basket 
to hold a thimble. This was in a round work basket 
that also had a scissors shield woven to match. There 
were a clothes hamper and a cunning covered basket 
with a handle, just large enough to hold a lunch 
for two. 

To go with these baskets there was a tea or coffee 
rest woven of sweet grass to use when serving on the 
porch, and quaint wallholders in which a tumbler could 
be inserted to hold wild flowers. The honored guest 
was perfectly delighted with this shower, for it turned 
out that baskets were one of her hobbies. By the way, 
lately I have found so many people basket crazy, some 
of the younger women actually taking lessons of the 
Indians who come to summer resorts selling the pretty 
creations they have made during the long winter months 
on the reservations. 

A LINEN SHOWER 

The invitation to the bride was as follows : 

^' Will you walk into my cobweb? " 
Said the spider to the heart. 
('Twas a spider owned by Cupid) 
And he played a double part. 
*'The way into my cobweb 
is up a golden stair." 
Alas ! I fear the simple heart 
Walked straight into the snare. 

[ 253 ] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

The gifts were arranged in a cobweb made of pink 
twine running its tangled way all over the house and 
even onto the big inclosed porch. The gifts were 
securely wrapped in tissue paper, each tied with ribbon. 
They bore the name of giver together with an original 
jingle something like these examples given. With a 
handkerchief: 

May this filmy handkerchief 
Ne'er wipe away the tear of grief. 

With dusters : 

Unromantic dusters we, 

A homely part we play. 
Little elves of shine and sheen. 

To chase the dust away. 

There were twenty-four guests, so the unwinding of 
the web filled the hours from three to five with scarcely 
time for refreshments. These were served in the big 
dining-room around two tables. There was pineapple 
sherbet and cunning cakes, first iced with white. Then 
a thin web of pink was made over the white by letting 
it get thoroughly dry, and tracing the web with thin 
icing colored pink and pressed through a cornucopia of 
paper. 

A CUP-AND-SAUCER SHOWER 

Cup-AND-SAUCER showcrs are not new, but this one 
was conducted in an unusual manner. It was given by 
a card club of which both the bride and bridegroom- 
elect were members. 

The saucers were passed to the men, the cups to the 

[ 254 ] 



ANNOUNCEMENTS 

girls. When matched they were partners, the hostess 
placing them all on a tray which was presented to the 
bride at the close of the game as her prize. 

A PRACTICAL SHOWER 

This shower has the merit of being practical, accept- 
able, and inexpensive, three very important items. It 
all came about in this way: A young matron was heard 
to remark that her greatest need when she first went to 
housekeeping was actually for rags or something with 
which to clean. 

She said she didn't exactly like to give her cleaning 
"lady" hand-embroidered towels and drawn- work 
doilies, so she had to go out and buy cheap material by 
the yard for windows and interior cleaning. 

This was the hostess' cue, so she asked eight other 
young matrons to this shower, and here is what the 
bride-to-be took home with her: A clothes-pin bag 
filled with pins, an ironing blanket, six iron-holders, 
six bread cloths, two jelly bags, six squares of old 
sheeting for window rags, a half dozen worsted towels — 
"for there is nothing more exasperating than new 
towels for glassware," said the girl who brought them. 
A dozen felt pads to go between fine china plates was a 
valued contribution, as was also a set of asbestos pads 
and mats. 

Of course a shower like this is only for the bride who 
is to go right to housekeeping. 

Delicious waffles with maple syrup and coffee were 
served, as the day was cool. The table was square arid 
had two stunning crash runners, ornamented with 
gorgeous peacocks, the dining-room being done in 

[255] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

wonderfully effective peacock blue and green shades. 
Each guest gave an interesting item concerning 
household economics, all this experience being most 
interesting and helpful to the expectant housekeeper. 

SPOON SHOWER 

A YOUNG girl who was to marry a man not blessed 
with a great store of this world's goods was the recipient 
of this novel and acceptable shower. The girls, twelve 
in number, contributed the price of a dozen spoons. 
Each one was done separately in tissue paper and put 
in a lovely pie made in shape of a wedding bell from 
which a white satin ribbon ran to each place. When 
the bride pulled her ribbon a spoon bearing this jingle 
was forthcoming: 

One spoon for two. 

Oh! what fun! 
But then you see. 

You two are one. 

The rest of the girls each drew a spoon and exclaimed, 
as they just matched the one drawn by the bride-elect, 
that they must all go to her. The refreshments were 
a little out of the ordinary, so I'll tell about them. 
First shrimp salad was served in heart-shaped cases, 
with coffee and nut sandwiches, mixed with mayonnaise 
dressing. Then followed a delicious tutti-frutti in 
bell-shaped molds. 

A MISCELLANEOUS SHOWER 

The hostess had provided several yards of various 
towelings, squares of cheese-cloth for dusters, bits of 

[256] 



ANNOUNCEMENTS 

lace and insertions, materials for bags, scraps for 
holders, etc. She asked the bride-to-be and about two 
dozen girls, all really good friends of hers, to come for a 
"sewing contest." When all arrived they were given 
their choice of materials and told to make an article 
which was to be given the guest of honor. The invita- 
tions said "Bring thimbles." I think this is a most 
clever scheme and will insure an interesting afternoon. 
Coffee was served with hot toast fingers, orange marma- 
lade, and German coffee cake. 

A PIN SHOWER 

I WANT to tell you of a novel pin shower that was 
given by a card club of twelve people who had been 
together for years. It was for a bride who was going 
to a foreign land to make her home. 

The hostess had chosen green and yellow for her color 
scheme, as it shows up beautifully in the daytime. 
Glorious daffodils, jonquils, and tulips with the natural 
leaves were arranged "a la Japan," a few blossoms held 
upright in flower-holders. Each guest sent her gift 
daintily wrapped in tissue paper and bearing an original 
rime. The centerpiece was a fat green satin heart 
on a doily of white. In it were pins of all descriptions 
working out the monogram of the happy pair. At- 
tached to the cushion there was a circle of safety pins 
to which chains of graduated safety pins made a chain 
to the place of each guest. Place cards were the names 
spelled out in pins, the heads of various colors. The 
napkins were pinned with long violet pins and the nut- 
holders were pinned to the table by hat pins, each with 
a different top. 

[257] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

Suspended over the table there was a doll-size water- 
ing pot covered with crepe paper and from the spout a 
shower of baby ribbon fell holding wee heart-shaped 
cards on the end. When the parcels were opened there 
was a belt pin, veil pin, hairpins of all sizes, barrette, 
cubes of all sorts of pins, and last, but not least — a 
rolling pin. 

A ROSE SHOWER 

This affair was both new and novel and was not a 
great tax upon any of the guests, which is an item to be 
considered in these days when entertainments for brides 
are so numerous and often include the same guests. 
The invitations said: ''Bring one rose with your card 
on which a sentiment or bit of advice is written." The 
bride was asked to come early. She stood with the 
hostess just inside the drawing-room door and as each 
guest entered with her long-stemmed rose it was placed 
in a basket near the bride. When all had arrived the 
hostess took each rose separately, read the card and sen- 
timent, then handed the flowers to the honored guest. 
She soon had her arms full of lovely pink, white, red, 
and yellow roses and made a most beautiful picture. 
When the last card was read, a wide white satin ribbon 
was given her to tie the nosegay together and there was 
a little scrapbook given her to preserve the cards The 
hostess had covered the book with white moire and had 
done the name and date in gold letters. 

FOR A KITCHEN SHOWER 

A MERRY crowd of girls made a kitchen shower for one 
of their mates who was a bride-elect. They made the 

[258] 



ANNOUNCEMENTS 

funniest iBgure out of the articles contributed, to which 
they pinned this rime, which was read aloud as soon 
as all had arrived. Then the quaint woman was 
divested of her clothes and the bride found just what 
she wanted for her new kitchen: 

I am a bride, not bride-to-be. 

And that I'm useful you'll agree. 

Of kitchen utensils I am made — 

From the ten-cent store — the highest grade. 

Behold my face — 'tis but a fake; 
But comes in fine for mixing cake. 
My hair you'll think an ugly crop; 
In fact, it's only a nice dish mop. 

A potato masher I have for feet 
(And potatoes mashed are good to eat). 
Instead of arms two forks you'll find 
(They will not bend, but I don't mind). 

Last, but not least, my draperies white 
For drying dishes will prove all right. 
Therefore as bride I come to you — 
I'll prove your faithful servant too. 

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES 

Some one always wants to know what the wedding 
anniversaries are, and I hope every young matron will 
learn and remember this rime of Tudor Jenks. It is 
capable of attaching itself to the memory like the 
immortal "Thirty days hath September," etc., of our 
childhood days. 

[ 259 ] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

Gifts of paper, choice, not dear, 
Mark the bride and groom's first year. 
Five years bring substantial wood — 
Type of wedlock strong and good. 
Ten years homely gifts bring in — 
Wares of shining, useful tin. 
When the years have reached a score, 
China will be prized the more. 
Silver, if the couple thrive. 
Tells the years are twenty-five. 
Half a hundred, slowly told. 
Bring the wedding day of gold. 
So few live to see arrive 
The diamond date, at seventy-five, 
That custom says threescore may be 
The diamond anniversary. 



[260] 



BIRTHDAY PARTIES AND 
AMUSEMENTS FOR CHILDREN 



BIRTBDAY PARTIES AND AMUSEMENTS 
FOR CHILDREN 

A POWPOW PARTY 




S the name indicates, this is an Indian 
party. Invitations were written on 
birch bark and conveyed by special 
messenger, a lad dressed in Indian 
costume. The porch was gay with 
Navajo blankets, and all sorts of 
interesting baskets, tomahawks, 
bows and arrows, Indian pictures, etc., were arranged 
on the wall. After the children had assembled, the 
grandfather of the young host carefully explained his 
trophies, which were collected when he was in the army 
on Indian duty. 

All the children who had Indian suits were asked to 
wear them and it was a motley throng. The mothers 
had entered into the spirit of the occasion and dressed 
some of the little girls as squaws, the requisite com- 
plexion being acquired by rubbing the face with vaseline, 
then dusting with cocoa, using a bit of rouge for cheeks 
and lips. There was a "hunt," of course. Animal 
crackers furnished the game and were collected in small 
Indian baskets, which were retained as souvenirs. 
There was also a bean-stringing contest. Colored 
Indian post cards were at each plate with the guests' 
names on them written in red ink. Supper was served 

[263] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

under a tent, called a wigwam for the time being. 
First strawberries in baskets, chicken jelly molded in 
shapes of ears of corn, sandwiches cut like tomahawks. 
The ice-cream was cone or wigwam shape, with three 
toothpicks stuck into the top, spreading out just like 
the branches in the top of a sure enough wigwam. 

Then there were races, and each child had an elastic 
band put around the head into which a feather was 
thrust as the various contests were won. The children 
pronounced it the best party ever. When refreshments 
were ready the fact was made known by the beating of 
a real Indian drum and there were some war whoops 
as the merry tribe began their onslaught on the eatables. 

THE GAME OF "SONS" 

This game originated from a spelling lesson. It 
seems a good one, so I pass it on to help some other 
children. It all came about this way: Sam and Susie 
came home saying tomorrow's spelling was all words 
ending in '*son," — "reason," "season," etc. Then 
Polly said: "Do you kiddies know how many * sons' 
the dictionary has?" Polly is a born leader. The 
family resolved itself into a circle, and a new game was 
"on." "There is the preacher's son," said Father. 
"Parson," responded Granny. "I know a son with a 
vivid color," continued Polly. "Crimson," piped 
Susie. Here are a few of the "sons" they mentioned 
and you may study the dictionary for more and have 
this enjoyable contest yourself the next rainy day. A 
mean kind of son, treason; a son who guards a fort, 
garrison; a son who is a human being, person; a son 
who builds houses, mason; a son who holds wicked 

[264] 



BIRTHDAY PARTIES 

people, prison; a son we eat, damson; a son to be feared, 
poison; a wild son, venison; a son who blesses, benison. 

"BIRD PIE" 

The following bird guessing contest was given at a 
party for boy scouts. Part of ''scouting" you know is 
to be able to recognize birds. These were not so 
familiar in appearance as some, because they were 
"pied." 

The little booklets were tied with the scout colors, 
and on the cover was the following jingle: 

'*Sing a song of sixpence. 
Pocket full of rye" 
Four and twenty kinds of birds 
In a printer's pi. 

On the first page was the following list; the second 
page had spaces for the names: 

1. Waswoll (swallow). 13. Lobokibn (bobolink). 

2. Borin (robin). 14. Shutrh (thrush). 

3. loelor (oriole). 15. Vedo (dove). 

4. Racne (crane). 16. Gaslule (seagull). 

5. Norhe (heron). 17. Podwockeer ( w o o d - 

pecker). 

6. Diberbul (bluebird). 18. Wore (crow). 

7. Dibcrablk (blackbird). 19. Beehop (phoebe). 

8. Dinacarl (cardinal). 20. Waspror (sparrow). 

9. Bitewhob (Bob white). 21. Panrisped (sandpiper). 

10. Newr (wren). 22. Cudk (duck). 

11. Dayrijb (jaybird). 23. Capline (pelican). 

12. Rokts (stork). 24. Whak (hawk). 

[265] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

A NEW SETTING OF AN OLD GAME 

Down on the shore (I won't tell where) a jolly crowd 
played this game. It was started by Polly, and every- 
thing she does is hailed with delight by her admirers. 
It made me think of the times we used to play "Bird, 
Beast, or Fish" a long time ago. 

Polly said: "I'll be the leader," and asked them all to 
get in a circle — a straight line will do if more con- 
venient — and then she gave this outline of the game: 
"I'll go up to any one of you and say quickly: 

"The name of the letter.?" 

The player thus addressed must name a letter of the 
alphabet before the captain can count ten. If he says 
"A" all questions that follow must be answered with 
a word beginning with A. For example: 

Captain — The name of the letter? 

First Player — A. 

Captain — The name of the ship? 

Second Player — Adriatic. 

Captain — The name of the captain? 

Third Player — Andrews. 

Captain — The name of the cargo? 

Fourth Player — Apples. 

Captain — The port she came from? 

Fifth Player — Amsterdam. 

Captain — ■ The place she is bound for? 

Sixth Player — Antwerp. 

Then very abruptly the leader turns to some one else 
and says, "The name of the letter?" the response may 
be "F, " the next question may be, "The name of the 
ship," and a player will say "Fox," etc. 

[266] 



BIRTHDAY PARTIES 

Polly skipped all around with her questions, which 
she varied to suit herself. If no answer is given while 
the leader is counting ten, that player is down and out 
or may pay a forfeit if the players like that manner of 
administering penalties. 

PLAYING CHARADES 

With the revival of old customs comes the charming 
pastime so popular years ago known as "Charades.'* 
"Oh, do tell us how to play." Well, charades are only 
words acted in syllables, each syllable being an act and 
then the whole word given for the last scene. 

It is best to have some capable person in charge who 
will make the announcements, like this: "Our first act 
is the first syllable, our second shows the second sylla- 
ble, and our third act will be the entire word." 

Placards may be hung up saying: "This is a court- 
yard," or "This is a street scene." In the earher days 
of dramatic art there was no scenery and we can afford 
to draw upon the imagination when playing charades. 
A curtain adds to the effect, but in impromptu affairs 
folding doors will do or the cleared portion of a large 
living-room. 

For young people without experience I think words 
of two syllables will be easier to act, and the following 
are good words: 

Window Breakfast 

Groomsman Cannibal 

Clothes-horse Carmine 

Forty Bandage 

Music Mischief 

[ 267 ] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

It is great fun to perform charades in pantomime 
or they may be quite elaborately worked out with lines 
and considerable acting. 

TABLEAUX FOR GIRLS 

So many girls' clubs desire money making suggestions. 
I found this clipping, which I give verbatim, called, 
"Woman and the Arts." The living pictures thus 
represented I am sure would be very effective and not 
at all difficult to get up. They may be given in con- 
nection with an evening lawn fete, as outdoor produc- 
tions are popular now. A careful manipulation of 
colored lights will be necessary and a raised platform. 
Try them and see what good results you will have. 

1. Weaving. Penelope sits at a loom (a frame with 
strings drawn across), wearing a Greek costume. She 
leans back in a low Greek chair and looks out into the 
distance as though watching for Ulysses. 

2. Embroidery. Matilda of England sits in a room 
with her women in early English costumes, all working 
on a great piece of tapestry — the famous Bayeux 
tapestry. (A quilting frame may be used for this.) 

3. Spinning. Copy the well-known picture of a 
Puritan girl sitting by her spinning wheel. She wears 
a gray dress, a little white cap, and a fichu. A window 
hung with white curtains may be at the back if desired. 

4. The Spinet. Mount a shallow oblong packing box 
on slender legs, stain all dark brown, and turn it with 
its side to the audience. Put a rest with music on top 
and let the hand of the player be advanced as though 
resting on keys. Dress her in a costume appropriate 
to the time of the Revolution, — a short skirt, buckled 

[268] 



BIRTHDAY PARTIES 

shoes, overskirt with short, gathered panniers, powdered 
hair, a mob cap, a velvet band around the neck, and a 
curl or two. 

5. The Harp. If no real harp can be borrowed or 
rented of a music dealer, have the carpenter make a 
wooden frame of the correct size and shape, cover it 
with gilt paper, and tack on strings of wire. Let the 
player sit at one end, her arms extended on either side, 
her fingers resting on the strings. She should wear a 
white dress, short-waisted, scant, with short, puffed 
sleeves. Her hair should be in short ringlets, tied with 
ribbons, the costume of 1830. 

6. Lace-making. Have a short, very dark girl with 
long black braided hair, dressed as an Italian peasant. 
She should wear a short skirt of red, a black bodice 
laced over a white chemisette, strings of coral beads, 
buckled shoes, and over her head a piece of bright silk, 
cut square in front and falling down at the back. She 
should hold a firm pillow, not very large, covered with 
red, with a piece of lace fastened on it, and long pins 
stuck in it. She must have bobbins of thread by her 
side and sit on a low stool. 

7. Painting. Have an easel with a large half- 
finished picture on it, a girl in an allover blue denim 
apron standing before it, her head a little on one side, 
a palette on her thumb, and a mahlstick in her hand. 
Her mouth should hold two or three brushes. 

8. Sculpture. Put plaster casts about. Cover one 
small one with modeling clay, merely keeping a general 
outline, and stand this on a table. A girl wearing a 
mud-colored apron completely covering her dress should 
be working on this apparently unfinished bust. She 

[269] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

should wear, also, a white cap, something like a 
chef's. 

9. Pottery. A girl sits before a wheel which is 
fastened horizontally on a support. In the middle of 
it is a clay-colored bowl and all around are iBnished 
pieces of pottery. She, too, wears a large apron. 
(Note — The three girls representing painting, sculp- 
ture, and pottery should be unlike in complexion and 
general appearance.) 

10. Music. Have a very pretty, up-to-date girl in 
evening dress sitting among cushions, playing a guitar. 

FOR A "TRACK MEET" 

These are fine outdoor pastimes, but most of them 
may be adapted to the house. The stunts will add 
greatly to a school party when one class entertains in 
honor of the others. 

This famous "One-yard Dash" is for the boys, of 
course. Lay off just one yard, give each contestant a 
bright copper cent, which must be laid on a Une. At 
the word *'Go" the boys get down on all fours and push 
the cent the yard with their noses. This is very amus- 
ing as may well be imagined. The one getting in first 
wins the prize. 

The '*Tug of War" may also be for boys unless the 
girls wish to try. They must all make their entries in 
the regular way. Tie a raisin firmly in the middle of a 
long piece of twine. Have each victim take hold of one 
end with his teeth and chew up the string for the raisin. 
Hands must not assist in any way. 

Next try the '* Standing High Jump." Suspend three 
doughnuts in a doorway about four inches higher than 

[270] 



BIRTHDAY PARTIES 

the mouths of the contestants. Tie their hands behind 
the back with handkerchiefs. Then see who gets the 
first bite from the doughnut. 

There will be loads of fun for both girls and boys in 
the so-called "Hurdle Race." The aspirants are seated 
and six needles are placed on a table in front of them. 
The one who first threads them all has the reward. 

The contestants will probably be thirsty by this time 
so try this "Drinking Race." Each player is given a 
tumbler of water to be consumed a spoonful at a time. 
There must be no spilKng, as that accident bars the 
contestant from the race. The one who drinks it all 
first is the winner. 

The "Bun Race" may also be indulged in by both 
sexes. Set up two poles a good distance apart, connect 
with a new clothes line from which hang strings of 
different lengths according to the heights of the players. 
Tie a bun at the end of each string. The players line 
up wath hands securely fastened behind them and at a 
signal each tries to eat the bun. The bobbing hne 
makes this difficult, but the lucky one who holds the 
bun in his teeth may get it on the ground and in a 
prostrate position consume it. 

Next have the "Cracker" contest. This is for girls. 
Let the players choose sides, then line up opposite each 
other. The plate of crackers is passed, the girls are to 
eat, swallow, and then see who can whistle first. Not 
so easy as it sounds. 

Last of all comes the "Rainy Day Race" for girls. 
There must be at least five to make it really worth 
while. Stand them in line with a closed satchel in front 
of each one, in which has been placed a pair of rubbers, 

[ 271 ] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

pair of gloves and an umbrella beside each bag. When 
"three" has been counted by the starter, the girls 
open the satchels, take out the rubbers, put them on, 
put on the gloves, button them, open the umbrellas, 
close the satchels, and walk deliberately about a hundred 
feet to the line set as the goal. Here they shut the 
umbrellas, take oflF rubbers and gloves, replace them in 
the satchels, close them, and return to the starting-place, 
carrying the umbrellas closed and the satchels. The 
one arriving first wins. Of course, these suggestions 
may be modified to suit the individuals participating. 

A BIRTHDAY SAND PARTY 

Nearly every mother can obtain a sand pile. If 
near the lake or at the seashore the problem is easily 
solved by taking the party to the beach. If in the city, 
a teamster will deposit a good big load of nice clean 
sand in the backyard. 

Previous to the arrival of the little guests make a 
huge mound of sand, hiding in it all sorts of treasures. 
Articles may be found at five and ten cent stores, at 
the favor counters, and also at the Japanese stores. 
When the children arrive give each one a small shovel 
such as come with the tin pails for five cents. Stick 
as many flags in the pile as there are children, tell each 
one to choose a flag and begin digging at that spot. 
As the treasures are found the excitement becomes 
intense. After all have dug up two, three, or four 
objects, as the limit may be, the pails are produced and 
the "party" will proceed to have fun. Serve a regular 
picnic supper, with the addition of ice-cream and a 
birthday cake. 

[272] 



BIRTHDAY PARTIES 

A pretty idea of arranging the candles is to have the 
usual number of '*year" candles on the cake, then 
around it in a circle have a candle for each child in a 
tiny candlestick to be taken home as a souvenir. 

A ROBIN HOOD PARTY 

The children of the fourth grade in an up-to-date 
school had been reading the story of Robin Hood, and 
when the seniors gave ''Sherwood, " arranged so charm- 
ingly by Alfred Noyes, they were all so familiar with 
the story that one of the mothers decided to give a 
party. She issued these invitations on paper of ''Lin- 
coln" green, with the request that all the guests come 
in costumes taken from "Robin Hood." It just so 
happened that the little nine-year-old daughter for 
whom the affair was given was named Marian. 

"Maid Marian requests your presence under the 
Greenwood Tree, Sherwood Forest, at three o'clock 
on Thursday. If it rains the party will be in the 
house." 

On the appointed day the grounds were made festive 
with lanterns, and paper chains such as children make 
in kindergarten were interlaced from tree to tree. 
There were many wild flowers arranged in tubs and 
crocks. The whole yard was as sylvan as possible, but 
the mystery that pervaded everything was delicious to 
the children. After a number of pretty games and 
dances done to the music of the piano, which was 
moved close to an open window for the occasion, a 
golden wand (father's cane wrapped in gilt paper) was 
handed to each child in turn. 

On a fine old maple tree this placard was found : 

[273] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

These branches are laden 
With treasures for maidens; 
Strike one with your wand 
The fairies'll respond. 



A tree close by said: 



High in this tree 
Treasures you'll see; 
For good little boys 
There are all sorts of toys. 



In the branches of these trees there were favors 
wrapped and tied with ribbons. Each child pointed 
to the package it wished for its own and the fairy god- 
mother proceeded to cut it down with her magic 
scissors. 

But the serving of refreshments was the best of all. 
An awning screen was pulled aside and there were two 
long tables with spoons, plates, and big platters con- 
taining what was found to be a reserve supply of stuffed 
eggs and sandwiches. Then the fairy godmother 
pointed to a sign on the tree, the branches of which 
overhung the supper tables. It said : 

Under this tree great doings there'll be. 
Look sharp for cookies, and eggs you'll see; 
Candy and nuts and oranges, too. 
Are up there waiting for you and for you. 

And, sure enough, hanging to the low boughs were 
sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs, animal cookies, dough- 
nuts, stick candy, bags of nuts, and an orange for each 
guest. Paper napkins fluttered in reach of all and a 

[274] 



k 



BIRTHDAY PARTIES 

small tree near by had a dozen bright tin cups attached 
to it. On it was the following: 

If thirsty you are 
And come from afar, 
Take a cup from this tree. 
Walk first to the left, 
And then to the right. 
A well of clear water 
Will rise to your sight. 

The well proved to be the water cooler on a fern- 
decked table, but, instead of water, there was lemonade. 
The children were wild with delight and voted Maid 
Marian's party the best they had ever attended. 

Besides '* Robin" and "Maid Marian" there were 
the following present : 

The Sheriff of Nottingham. 

Little John. 

Friar Tuck. 

Will Scarlett. 

Much, the Miller's Son. 

Allen-a-Dale. 

Prince John 

King Richard, Coeur de Lion. 

Blondel, Minstrel to Cceur de Lion. 

Oberon, King of Fairies. 

Titania, Queen of Fairies. 

Puck. 

Queen Elinor, Mother of Richard and John. 

Earl of Fitzwalter, Father of Maid Marian. 

Shadow-of-a-Leaf, Fool to Maid Marian, Fairy. 

[275] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

Jenny, Maid to Lady Marian. 
Widow Scarlett, Mother of Will Scarlett. 
Prioress of Kirkley. 
Novice of Kirkley. 

INVITATION FOR A KIMONO PARTY 

It is quite the fad among young girls to have over- 
night house parties. Of course mother or some older 
person should issue the invitation, or at least give 
permission for such a party. 

Here is a copy of the jingle sent to a dozen girls, who 
accepted, I assure you. The hostess lives in a far 
Western State: 

Come to my house "a-bunkin' " on next Tuesday night, 
Bring your little kimono all tucked up out of sight. 
For just we girls together must have a jolly time. 
And each must do her part, you know, or else there'll be 

a fine. 
Don't let that scare you off, though, for we want you 

anyway; 
So telephone 132 and be sure you say '* Yea, yea." 

A DOLL PARTY 

This party was given for little girls of from six to 
nine years of age. Arrange like a cobweb party, using 
colored cards all starting from one place marked by 
the name of each child on a small card fastened to the 
larger one. Let them wind up the strings and at the 
end of each have an inexpensive dolly, with only its 
undershirt on. Then let the tots go into another room 
and on a clothes bar or line have the name of each child 
pinned to the dress that belongs to her doll. Dressing 

[276] 



BIRTHDAY PARTIES 

the babies will occupy at least a half-hour. At the 
table have paper dolls for the place cards, and the 
cookies should be cut in doll shape. 

A CLOTHES PIN PARTY 

A MOTHER of a twelve-year-old daughter was at a loss 
just how to entertain for her. The doll, playing at 
house, and "Come to see" period was past and she was 
too young for a card party. So the mother's clever 
brain evolved the clothes pin party which I am about 
to describe. 

The invitations were written and folded, held fast 
by a wee gilded clothes pin, and delivered by an obliging 
young brother. When the guests had arrived, a big 
basket of ordinary clothes pins was placed in the middle 
of the room and all were told they could have ten 
minutes in which to build a blockhouse on the floor, 
following these instructions, which the mother read 
aloud: 

Start the house foundation with two clothes pins laid 
down parallel and sufficiently far apart for two more to 
bridge over the intervening space. Be sure to place the 
clothes pins so that they rest on the open edge of the 
prongs and lie steady, for the round edge is apt to roll 
and slide. 

Lay the second two pieces across with their ends on 
the first two pins. Build up the lower part of the house 
in this way, eight layers high. The upper part of the 
building will need longer logs, which may be made by 
taking two pins and fitting the prongs together. With 
these cross the top of the house so that the edge projects 
an equal distance on both sides. After the four logs 

[277] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

are adjusted proceed with the second story the same as 
the first. Use all long logs and continue until it's ten 
"pins" high. Then make a brown paper or pasteboard 
roof. 

Next take clothes pins, dress them like ** early settlers," 
and see how lifelike they appear. Plenty of black, 
white, and colored tissue paper must be provided, also 
paste, scissors, and thread. Prizes may be awarded for 
the best little men and women manufactured by the 
young artists. 

The table centerpiece was a clothes pin house in a 
yard with miniature ''pin" figures. Small trees, 
animals, and chickens completed this most realistic 
scene. The napkins were pinned together with gilded 
"pins," the name card tied to the top. 

GINGERBREAD PARTY 

An old-fashioned mother of six charming children 
whose ages ranged from two to eleven gave this unique 
party. The invitations were issued on rounds of brown 
paper scalloped to look just like ginger cookies. The 
rounds were pasted on white paper backgrounds on 
which this rime was written : 

Come to my party as many as can; 
Come for a romp with the Gingerbread Man. 
Gingerbread smiles on his gingerbread face, 
Gingerbread buttons all neatly in place. 
Raisins the eyes that are watching for you; 
Come to my party on Tuesday at two. 

The name, date, and hour were given and "Please 
wear play suits." 

[278] . ' I 



BIRTHDAY PARTIES 

Gingerbread men, women, children, and animals were 
served with cups and tumblers of milk. Peppermint 
candy and nut sandwiches completed the simple re- 
freshments. Each child had a gingerbread favor to take 
home, carefully wrapped in a pretty paper napkin. 
To the child who found the most peanuts, which were 
hidden over the lower floor, a copy of the "Little 
Gingerbread Man," by G. H. Putnam, was given. The 
guests were all at home by five o'clock. 

OLD-FASHIONED GAMES 

Most mothers will recall the tunes to these old game 
songs and they will delight little children who generally 
enjoy playing the same things that Mother used to. 

For "Here we go 'round the mulberry bush" form a 
circle, with a leader in the center, and sing the following : 

Here we go 'round the mulberry bush. 
The mulberry bush, the mulberry bush. 
Here we go 'round the mulberry bush. 
So early in the morning. 



All stop and rub faces with hands and sing 




Joining hands, all sing the first verse again. Then, 
"This is the way I brush my hair," "This is the way I 
wash my clothes," "This is the way I iron my clothes," 
each illustrated with appropriate movements. The last 
two verses are: "This is the way I go to school" (slow 

[279] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

steps), **This is the way I come from school" (quick 
steps). Children love action plays and this is a general 
favorite. 

"I sent a letter to my love" is another beloved game. 
A handkerchief is folded like an envelope, the leader 
gives it to a child, who walks around the inside ring 
singing : 

I sent a letter to my love; 
I lost, I found it. 

She illustrates by first holding the envelope behind 
and then in front of her. 

I sent a letter to my love; 
Oh, what is this around it.^^ 

Looking wonderingly around the circle, the player 

sings : 

Who will take my letter, my letter, my letter. 
Who will take my letter to my love from me? 

Choosing a boy, she approaches him singing: 

You will take my letter to my love from me. 

Dropping the handkerchief at his feet, she runs 
around the outside of the ring. The boy runs and 
breaks through the ring after her. If he can touch her 
with the letter before she gets into his place, she must 
send the letter back again. If not, the boy sends it, etc. 

SHUT-IN DAY AMUSEMENTS 

As soon as a child, girl or boy, is able to handle round- 
pointed scissors, provide a pair, with quantities of 
[280] 



BIRTHDAY PARTIES 

colored pictures to cut out. Then, if there is no handy 
man available, get the nearest carpenter to make a 
screen or the frame for one. Tack cheap paper cambric 
on the back. Cover the youngster from top to toe with 
an apron, spread a sheet on the iBoor, give him a bottle, 
or better still a tube of library paste (they dearly love 
to squeeze it), and you may go your way rejoicing, 
knowing that several hours will elapse ere the charm of 
cutting and the joy of pasting will have been lost. 

When the screen is full take it out and replace with 
a fresh piece of cambric. This amusement gives the 
child ample scope to exercise its originality, and the 
enjoyment of not being assisted is keenly appreciated 
by the little one. If a box of water-color paints is 
added to the outfit, so much the better. And, by the 
way, those colors are made harmless for these embryo 
artists, so if the brush should find its way into the little 
mouth no serious consequences follow. 

NOVEL BIRTHDAY CUSTOM 

A PRETTY birthday custom is observed by a family 
rejoicing in the possession of six beautiful children. 
On the first birthday of each child a tree is planted, and 
each succeeding year the same custom prevails. As 
the tenth birthday is reached a real festival is held, 
and the tree planting is made the feature of the occasion. 
There is generally a procession around the lawn. The 
"birthday" child is permitted to choose the variety of 
tree to be planted and it is obtained, if possible. Often- 
times there is a tree guessing contest of some kind, 
or the refreshments will all be from tree products. 
It is needless to say that these children are devoted to 

[281] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

their own special trees and watch their growth with 
scrupulous care. It is certainly a custom worthy of 
emulation, and not expensive. It is within the reach 
of almost every one. 

FOR A BIRTHDAY CHILD 

These charming verses by Alice Corbin were written 
on a card, the initial letter of each line being done in 
gold shaded with pink: 

FOR A BIRTHDAY CHILD 

What shall we give to the birthday child? 
^A blessing, a kiss, or a golden ring.^ 
A kiss lasts only a second or two. 
The ring is lost ere the year is through, 
But the blessing of God is a precious thing. 
So the blessing of God is the gift we bring 
To the child that is gentle and sweet and mild. 
To the dear little, good httle birthday child! 

AN ALICE IN WONDERLAND PARTY 

The mother of a twelve-year-old daughter issued 
invitations for this very pretty party. Remembering 
how children love to dress up, she said: "Please come 
in a costume representing a character from 'Alice in 
Wonderland.'" When all had arrived there was a 
pantomime showing the figures on a screen, the children 
guessing who was who as each Uttle figure passed by. 
This made loads of fun, as it was done before they 
entered the big drawing-room. I had better explain 
exactly how. As the guests arrived (and they were all 
very prompt) they were met by a maid, who took them 

[282] 



BIRTHDAY PARTIES 

into a sideroom without removing their wraps. The 
screen was in plain view. Each guest was taken 
separately, the wrap removed, and he or she was placed 
behind the screen. If the children recognized the 
character the child representing it took a seat in 
the drawing-room, the chairs being arranged in rows. 
When all were admitted a professional entertainer did 
wonderful tricks for twenty minutes. Then there were 
games and dancing for half an hour. Refreshments 
were served in the upstairs ballroom, which had been 
transformed into a veritable ** wonderland," with a 
bountiful use of gold and silver tinsel. 

Many little surprises had been cleverly planned for 
the mystification of the young guests. For instance, 
there was an immense water lily made from paper and 
placed before a screen made from clothes bars covered 
with crepe paper and ferns. There was a petal for each 
child, which when pulled down revealed a plate contain- 
ing an ice-cream rabbit. From the mouth of a huge, 
fierce-looking cat there came cookies and from an enor- 
mous snowball came wee boxes of bonbons. There was 
a witch who passed favors and a clown who distributed 
balloons. Wasn't this a wonderful party .^ It sounds 
rather difficult to produce, but the hostess assured me 
that it had been a delight to get ready, as she had the 
co-operation of a couple of young college men and two 
adoring aunts of the little hostess. 

NEW BLIND MAN'S BUFF 

For this new game of blind man's buflF form a large 
circle and number each person in rotation, as many 
numbers as there are players. Count out to ascertain 

[283] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

who will be the first blind man. Then place him in the 
center of the circle. He must call two numbers quite 
widely separated, like two and ten. The ones having 
those numbers must take each other's places. If a 
person is caught in changing, he is ''it." If the blind 
man fails to catch any one he has the privilege of calling 
one hundred. Then every one must change places, 
making it easy for some one to get within his reach. 
This is a good, jolly game, and children love it. 



284] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 




PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 
AN A B C PARTY 

FIS sounds good to me, and I wonder 
if some freshmen class would not 
like to perpetrate it upon the grave 
and reverend Seniors. But you 
must all take the consequences. 
Do not blame me for putting you 
up to it, for it was planned by 
one far wiser than I. 

Make large illuminated texts for the walls, telling 
how children should be obedient and setting forth up- 
to-date principles of education, exploiting pet theories 
of the school or class if they have any. Have all the 
freshmen arrayed as old-fashioned teachers or govern- 
esses with primers in their hands, and decorate the 
dining-room table with piles of blocks, the ABC kind, 
and all sorts of baby and childish toys. 

I think you can find tiny gocarts and baby carriages 
at the favor department to use for bonbons or salted 
almonds. The candle shades may be made of large 
black alphabet letters pasted on a white or red back- 
ground, or you could use the senior class colors back 
of the letters. Sing Mother Goose rimes and play 
kindergarten games. Award soap bubble pipes, jump- 
ing-jacks, and rag dolls for prizes. I am sure you will 

[287] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

work out a jolly evening of fun and I hope without 
regrets, but you must expect to be paid back, perhaps 
with interest. 

FOR A HOUSE PARTY 

This novel amusement was provided by a clever 
hostess for a jolly house party which she entertained 
from Saturday to Monday. After the dinner, which 
was prolonged beyond the usual time allotted, the men 
all being so glad to get away from the hurry of the city, 
they went into the large living-room and the six mas- 
culine members of the party were given boxes con- 
taining cut calico strips and told to find the girl whose 
aprons matched their material. The young women 
had worn the aprons at dinner and had greatly excited 
the curiosity of the other sex. 

The hostess gave each one a thimble, coarse thread, 
and needle, saying that she was greatly in need of rugs. 
The men were informed that whoever first sewed his 
allowance of rags into a neat ball should be rewarded 
by being made ''head waiter of the castle" and should 
serve the following refreshments : 

One conglomerated compound circle. 

One cup of communicative cordial. 

One cup of Chinese cheer. 

One cup of choice churned cream. 

One cider cured cucumber. 

One cup of cold comfort. 

This mysterious menu caused much merriment. 
For an hour the men toiled, the girls assisted, until one 
triumphant six-footer held up a roughly wound ball, 

[288] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

donned his partner's apron, announced himself ''head 
waiter," and proceeded to serve doughnuts, coffee, tea, 
buttermilk, pickles, and ice water. The hostess pre- 
pared deviled shrimps in the chafing-dish. 

A PROGRESSIVE DINNER 

A HOSTESS noted for her ingenuity arranged this 
delightful dinner. Just try it, and see what fun it will 
be. She asked six couples, making twelve at the table, 
and there was no evidence of anything ''different" until 
the conclusion of the first course, when the host rang 
a bell and explained that the lady upon his right would 
move one seat to the west as indicated by this line upon 
her place card: "Westward the course of empire takes 
its way." 

These lines below were used on the cards for the 
other ladies: "All things journey; we journey with 
them." "Press bravely onward." "Let us then be 
up and doing." "Onward, onward may we press." 
"A lovely apparition sent to be a moment's ornament." 

The men retained their seats to the end of the repast 
and had these lines on their place cards: "How happy 
could I be with either, were t'other dear charmer away." 
"Welcome the coming, speed the parting guest." 
"We must endure their going hence, even as their 
coming hither." "Variety is the spice of life." "It is 
something to get this far if one is not permitted to go 
farther." "Stay in that station in which you have 
been placed." 

The only conditions under which this party may be 
a success are that all the guests should be thoroughly 
congenial. I give two menus that may be served. 

[289] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

Both are good, and the hostess will, of course, use the 
one which suits her convenience and the market. 

CREAM OF CELERY SOUP 

SMELTS, SAUCE TARTARE 

ROAST CHICKEN, MUSHROOM SAUCE 

POTATO CROQUETTES 

SPINACH BEETS 

QUAIL ON TOAST 

MAYONNAISE OF CELERY 

CRACKERS CHEESE 

NESSELRODE PUDDING 

COFFEE 

BLUE POINTS 

CONSOMME 

FILLET OF BEEF 

BERMUDA POTATOES GREEN PEAS 

CAULIFLOWER AU GRATIN 

CANVASBACK DUCK 

WILD GRAPE JELLY 

ICED ASPARAGUS, FRENCH DRESSING 

CRACKERS CHEESE 

TUTTI-FRUTTI CREAM 

COFFEE 

A LEMON PARTY 

Decorate with lemon color exclusively, using 
festoons of lemon-hued crepe paper or frills of lemon 
paper. Then have a tree with crepe paper lemons, in 
which a trifle is concealed in the cotton filling. Blind- 
fold each guest in turn, have a pair of scissors, and let 

[290] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

each one clip a lemon from the tree. Then try carrying 
a dozen lemons, one at a time, on a fork over a given 
course. The one achieving this feat in the shortest 
space of time may be awarded a lemon pie. 

A GIFT FOR YOUNG MOTHERS 

Take twelve sheets of water-color paper cut ten by 
six inches in size. Paste the name of a month at the 
top of each page and then write the quotations given 
below. 

A ''little" mother who received such a gift said she 
memorized the beautiful sentiments while nursing her 
baby, and they proved most helpful and nerve resting. 
Then she in her turn made a calendar for a friend, 
illustrating the pages with snapshots of her own child. 
On the first page she put this : 

My little Bo-peep 

Is fast asleep 
And her head on my arm is lying; 

I gently rock 

While the old hall clock 
Tolls the knell of a day that is dying. 

But what care I 

How the moments fly.'^ 
Whether swiftly they go or creeping, 

No hour could be 

But dear to me 
While my babe on my arm is sleeping. 

The following may be used for the other pages: 

O'er wayward children would'st thou hold firm rule. 
And sun thee on the light of happy faces? 

[291] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

Love, hope, and patience, these must be thy graces 
And in thine own heart let them first keep school. 

Coleridge 

The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom. — 

Beecher 

Children are the anchors that hold a mother to life. 

Sophocles 
Every child pays its way. 

O. T. Bright 

Hearts grow fit for heaven molded by childish hands. 

Anon 

The Lord could not be everywhere, so he made 

mothers. ^ ^r 

Lew Wallace 

IN HONOR OF THE STORK 

The place cards had baby heads in water-color. 
The prize for the answers to the list of questions was a 
painting of a young mother and child in water-color. 
The gifts were brought in in a cradle basket, beautifully 
decorated. 

1. What hood is most becoming to woman? 

2. In what hood is woman most interested .^^ 

3. What, pertaining to Cupid, is the first article 
baby is taught to handle.^ 

4. What acts as baby's main security? 

5. In applying the powder, what adornment of 
woman is used? 

6. What article of bedding does the baby suggest 
to its mother? 

7. What do a mother and sailor both dread? 
[292] 



N 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

8. What disfigurement of a boy's hair suggests a 
baby's pains? 

9. What article of baby's clothing is musical in 
name? 

10. What food of baby's is paternal in name? 

1. Motherhood. 2. Babyhood. 3. Spoon. 4. Safety 
pin. 5. Puff. 6. Comforter. 7. Squalls. 8. Cowlick. 
9. Band. 10. Pap. 

A STORK PARTY 

A MOST interesting stork party was held in a city 
noted for its good times. The honored guests were six 
brides of a year ago. The hostess was the mother of 
one of the "girls," and in all the rooms the wings of the 
Dutch bird fluttered everywhere. The favors for the 
young married women were paper cribs, over each of 
which storks held in their bills doll babies. At the 
table the napkins were folded and pinned with safety 
pins, and the centerpiece was a large stork guarding the 
welfare of an imitation infant in swaddling clothes. 

The menu consisted of the following dishes: 

Baby food soup, olive nipples, crib celery, milk-fed 
chicken, gocart potatoes, castoria sauce, paregoric 
salad, baby curl candy, nuts, with safety pins as picks, 
paddy cake, and I-scream. 

A pleasing feature was that the six matrons had all 
been together as girls. Each guest had her own gifts 
brought to her between courses by a maid, so the 
luncheon was prolonged in a most jolly manner. 
Afterward the young matrons sewed and talked just 

[293] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

about as eagerly as they had when all were being 
feted as brides-to-be. 

TABLE FOR STORK SHOWER 
A HOSTESS who belonged to a needlework club of 
eight members entertained one of the number who was 
anticipating the stork's visit. For the table she used 
a large mirror to represent a lake, around which she 
arranged vines and grasses to look like the edge of the 
water. Around this she put storks of various sizes, 
and wee dolls among the rushes. One big old stork had 
a mite of a baby in a basket carried in his bill. 

When the cake was brought in, it had a circle of doUies 
around it, connected by narrow pink and blue ribbons. 
On the top was a tiny gilt cradle with a baby inside. 
At each place were little nursing bottles and hot water 
bags. The afternoon was spent in opening the dainty 
parcels brought by the guests, each tied up in white 
tissue paper with pink and blue ribbons. The host- 
ess provided a set of dainty baby towels on which 
the guests worked, marking the word "baby" in blue 
and pink cross stitch. 

A NOVELTY PARTY 

This really was the best time ever, and I hardly 
know what to call it. The affair came about when Mrs. 
Blank's cook gave notice and left almost immediately 
afterward. With invitations out for the "Reading 
Club" dinner, what was Mrs. Blank to do.? In the 
suburbs one certainly finds the domestic problem a 
difficult one, but nothing daunted, the hostess set her 
wits to work, and on top of the usual conventional 

[ 294 ] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

invitations the six couples soon received others hke 
this: 

WANTED — A good cook. Apply Wednesday even- 
ing, June 20, eight o'clock. 

The cards were decorated with figures of serving 
maids cut from an advertisement. On the night in 
question, when the guests reached the house, they found 
a large placard on the front door which said: "All 
appUcants will please go to the kitchen door." There 
the hostess met them, asked them to remove their 
wraps and return to the kitchen, where the ** girls" 
were given yard lengths of gingham from which aprons 
were constructed, a prize of a needle case being awarded 
to the maid who first finished her apron. The men were 
given squares of stiff white paper, from which to make 
bakers' caps. Plenty of pins and a tube of library 
paste were provided and a reward of a cherry pie was 
forthcoming (to be eaten later). 

A book was produced, and each person was required 
to write down underneath his or her name why the 
last place had been left, also to write a testimonial or 
reference. These were read at the dinner table and 
caused much merriment. Then all went to work and a 
simple meal was finished (the preparations having all 
been made) and placed on the table, the men assisting. 
I assure you it was a joyous occasion. All agreed that 
the cook's taking such hasty leave had given them a 
novel experience, and the hostess declared that it was 
much better than postponing the feast. It only proves 
that making the best of things always brings its own 
reward and that it is not always the conventional, 

[ 295 ] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

carefully planned affairs which give the most unadul- 
terated pleasure. As one man said, he "never would 
feel other than at home in that house." 

SHIRTWAIST LUNCHEON 

There comes a season each year when the needle- 
work girl thinks of the newest wrinkles in shirtwaists. 
Women of a club which meets once a week to sew were 
the recipients recently of invitations like the following: 
"Come to an informal luncheon on Tuesday and wear 
your latest shirtwaist. Bring your work." The girls 
expected something new, and they were not disap- 
pointed. The color scheme was pink, which always 
seems the proper thing for young girls, for whom we 
expect things to be rose-colored. 

A long-stemmed pink carnation was laid at each 
place, and this dainty menu was served — nothing 
new about it, only it just seemed to be the right thing: 

CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP 
COLD VEAL LOAF, GARNISHED WITH RADISHES AND 

CUCUMBERS 

FRENCH FRIED POTATOES 

FRUIT SALAD, CREAM CHEESE AND WAFERS 

CHERRY SHERBET ^^TH PINK FROSTED CAKES 

PINK AND WHITE BONBONS COFFEE 

With the dessert, walnut-shaped bonbon boxes were 
brought in on a tray. When opened some contained 
the following bright conundrums, the answers per- 
taining to a shirtwaist : 

What does the pugilist give his antagonist.'^ Answer 
— A cuff. 
[ 296 ] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

What does Hymen say to the shirtwaist girl? An- 
swer — My yoke is easy. 

When does the president give a deciding vote? 
Answer — When there is a tie. 

What is the prettiest thing in a shirtwaist? Answer 
— The girl who wears it. 

Why is a sawmill wheel like the shirtwaist girl? 
Answer — Because they both need belts. 

The girl who answered all five was given a pair of 
scissors in a case. After the repast a doll was given 
each girl, to be dressed from materials furnished by the 
hostess. The waist part had to be a shirtwaist. It 
was a very jolly party, and the dolls went to a mission 
school in Tennessee. 

A WHITE ELEPHANT PARTY 

Cut elephants out of heavy white paper large enough 
to be used for the invitations, and inclose in correspond- 
ence card envelopes. Ask each one to bring, carefully 
wrapped in white paper, some object that is to him or 
her a "white elephant," that is, something he or she 
does not want and does not know what to do with. 
On the date specified, when all have arrived, let the 
guests begin exchanging parcels and continue doing so 
until they have something they wish to keep. If this 
state is not reached the hostess calls "time," and then 
every one is obliged to keep what he or she has. The 
motley collection cannot but be amusing and, to make 
the evening more interesting, have the histories of some 
of the "white elephants" told. A number of elephants 
may be cut out of white paper and thrown over the 

[ 297 ] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

yard to be chased and found by the guests, a prize being 
awarded to the one who captures the most in the hunt. 
"Her Ladyship's Elephant" is a good book to give as a 
prize. Cookies may be cut out with an elephant cutter 
and served instead of cake. 

NOVEL CARD PARTY IDEA 

At a card party of six tables the hostess assigned the 
table by colors in this way : She had her little daughter 
distribute four flowers of a kind and each table had in 
the center a vase of flowers of the kind given to the 
guests. For instance: Four guests received red roses 
and they went to the table having the vase of red roses 
in the center; the four pink roses found their places as 
did the four yellow and the four pink tulips. 

Scores were kept as usual on flower-decorated cards, 
and at the end of the game the vases and flowers were 
awarded as prizes. They were removed from the table 
during the game. I would suggest baskets instead of 
vases, as they are somewhat newer and much in favor 
as prizes, or some of the very attractive flower-holders 
might be used. Guests are always pleased with them, 
and no one minds having more than one. 

JAPANESE LUNCHEON 

Affairs which savor of the Flowery Kingdom are 
always attractive and popular. Write the invitations 
upon Japanese letter paper, which comes apparently 
by the yard, cutting off a sufficient quantity for the 
note. The envelopes are long and narrow. To make 
the writing more mysterious, spell the words up and 
down, one letter after another, instead of across the 

[298] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

page. Have the door opened by a maid in kimono, and 
one similarly attired should be in the dressing-room. 
Decorate with the Japanese fans, screens, parasols, 
embroideries, and other Japanese articles that are 
obtainable. Use chrysanthemums, cherry and apple 
blossoms. Artificial ones will answer if the real are not 
to be had. Above the table suspend a parasol filled 
with favors wrapped in Japanese paper and tied with 
delicate pink, blue, green, and lavender ribbon. This 
should hang over the edge of the parasol and go to the 
places where the ends are held by Japanese boxes filled 
with sweetmeats. From each rib of the parasol hang 
a wee lantern. For place cards use small Japanese fans. 
Have the waitresses (in kimonos) serve the following 
menu : Fruit-cocktail, rice soup, lobster salad, creamed 
chicken with hot rice and potato puffs, Parker House 
rolls, small cakes and pistachio ice-cream in fan-shaped 
molds, Japanese persimmons, Formosa Oolong, and rice 
cakes. 

HINTS FOR THE HOSTESS 

To make a change from the regulation score card, 
twist a bit of silver or gilt picture wire into a bracelet, 
and for each game won fasten on a small trinket like a 
bangle. The toy department will reveal many small 
articles available for this purpose, such as beads, metal 
animals, costume bells, etc. 

PLACE CARDS 

Pictures from advertisements may be found to 
represent nearly every trade, profession, or hobby of the 
guests one invites to a dinner, or to any entertainment 

[299] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

where name cards would be used. Cut the pictures out 
very neatly and paste on cards, the guests to find them- 
selves by this means, no name being written out. 

AN ANIMAL PARTY 

We were all decidedly curious when the invitation 
came for " an animal party." We were sure it would be 
good fun and were not disappointed. When all had 
arrived the hostess handed around envelopes, one for 
each, containing a puzzle animal which she had cut 
from picture books. Squares of white paper were given 
and a tube of paste provided. When the puzzle was 
complete it was pasted on the white paper and a prize 
awarded to the one who finished first. These animals 
were all covered with red paper which the hostess 
pasted on before cutting into puzzles, so all were alike. 
The name of the one making the animal was written on 
the white background and all were pinned up on the 
wall, making a gay array. The prizes were candy mice 
in boxes and various kinds of animal candy boxes 
(filled). 

Next we had square bits of cardboard given us with 
a toothpick and a stick of chewing gum. We chewed 
the latter until the right consistency to work and then 
made any animal we chose, putting it on the cardboard 
base. These wonderful creations were all placed on a 
table and we had to guess what was what. It was very 
amusing. The one guessing the most received a box 
of animal crackers. 

Next the hostess took us into a room she called the 
"zoo," where we were given catalogues bearing the 
names of the animals on the list below. The objects 

[300] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

representing these animals were in cunning little cages 
made of boxes with cords drawn neatly in rows across 
the front. Signs were up around the walls like these, 
"Do not feed the monkeys," "Please do not tease the 
elephant," "Beware of pickpockets." The little son of 
the hostess passed popcorn and lemonade carried on a 
tray. 

1. Rat — a lady's hair-roll. 

2. Porcupine — a piece of pork, a pinestick, a letter 

U. 

3. Mink — an ink bottle and letter M. 

4. Wolf — a letter F covered with wool. 

5. Chamois — a piece of chamois skin. 

6. Kid — a kid glove. 

7. Hyena — the letters E, N, A in a box high above 

the door. 

8. Badger — a G. A. R. badge and the letter R. 

9. Lynx — piece of chain. 

10. Herring — a lady's ring. 

11. Perch — a perch from a bird's cage. 

12. Butterfly — a dish of butter with a fly in it. 

The prize was a bronze dog paper weight. 

FUN WITH ANAGRAMMED NAMES 

This was just the most fun and the clever girl who 
thought of the scheme was congratulated upon its 
success. It was at a merry little fraternity dance at 
which a cotillion was the special feature. 

The girls were handed cards bearing the anagrammed 
names of the men, and the men had cards with girls' 
names similarly arranged. Each card was punched and 

[301] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

the fraternity colors tied to it. Then it was hung some- 
where in the room, to the chairs, window cm'tains, 
piano, in fact any place it could be tied. In this in- 
stance the girls looked for yellow ribboned cards and 
the boys for blue. When the cards were solved, the 
two were partners for the first set. 

DEFT FINGER TEST 

I HARDLY know what to call this amusing stunt. 
It will serve for any age and is very easy to get ready. 
All that is required is a new paper of black and white 
pins. Tear off a row of white and a row of black fcr 
each person and provide a little tray to hold the piLS. 
At the ring of a bell or the word "Go!" all must take 
the pins out of both rows and put them in the holder. 
Then they must go to work and replace them. The 
one who finishes first wins the prize, which may be a 
fancy box of assorted pins, beauty pins, safety pins, or 
whatever the hostess wishes. 

BACHELOR STAG DINNER 

Whenever a bachelor entertains he is usually in- 
debted to some obliging feminine friend who plans the 
affair for him and then disappears. 

Here is the way a couple of girls carried out the 
decorations and menu for ten men, the meal being 
served at the home of the host's sister. 

The table centerpiece was made of bachelor's buttons, 
golden wall flowers, and wild oats, surrounded by a circle 
of dainty dolls dressed as ballet girls in pale pink, blue, 
yellow, white, green, and lavender. There were ten 
of them and ribbons radiated from each to the place 

[302] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

cards which marked each plate and which were tied to 
corncob pipes. On the cards were pen and ink sketches 
of a man in front of a fireplace smoking, with girls' 
faces indistinctly appearing through the smoky haze. 
The candles were red, in brass holders, and an image of 
Cupid was suspended from the overhead light so that 
it just poised over the flowers. The little god was 
equipped with a quiver well filled with gilt arrows. 
The following menu was served : 

CONSOMME 

LOBSTER NEWBURG 

BROILED MUSHROOMS 

MARINADE OF LAMB CHOPS BROILED 

MASHED POTATOES 

BUTTERED STRING BEANS 

CURRANT JELLY 

ORANGE AND CELERY SALAD 

ICES IN MERINGUES 

CAFE NOIR 

A MOTHER GOOSE LUNCHEON 

A Mother Goose luncheon is indeed an aflFair out of 
the ordinary. In the invitations, which had on them 
quaint Httle pen and ink sketches of Mother Goose in 
peaked hat and a broom, ready to "sweep the cobwebs 
down from the sky," the guests were requested to wear 
something to indicate a character in the dear old 
nursery rimes. The centerpiece on the table was an 
enormous *'pie," with a ribbon radiating to each plate, 
where a Httle woolly lamb was tied to it. The place 
cards had tiny spiders attached to them. Each guest 

[303] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

was called upon to recite the rime she represented. 
This was the occasion of much merriment. 

When the dessert was brought in, the hostess asked 
all to pull their ribbons, and out of the "pie" came all 
sorts of birds. They had been found at the favor 
counters and elicited much comment. "There is no 
telling what can be found until you begin to look," 
said this indefatigable hostess, who is ever on the alert 
for something new. The souvenirs, which were a joy 
to the guests, were small Japanese teapots, bearing a 
card on which was written: "Polly, put the kettle on 
and we'll all drink tea." 

A copy of Mother Goose for grown folks was the 
prize for the one who guessed the most characters. 
It was a very jolly party and proved without doubt 
that we are all only children of a larger growth. 

CLEVER ENTERTAINMENT SCHEME 

A HOSTESS noted for her ingenuity in arranging 
pleasant surprises for her guests had this for an after- 
dinner pastime. There were just eight people. All 
were thoroughly congenial and amenable to anything 
proposed, so when a huge ball of carpet warp was pro- 
duced and the hostess said: "Now, Madame X, you 
must begin a story as you begin to wind from this ball, 
and continue until the first object is found. Then you 
must weave it into your tale and hand the ball to your 
next door neighbor." Such fun as ensued! The first 
article discovered was a toy elephant. The "Judge" 
came next, and, strange to relate, his tale was woven, 
or rather wound, around a collar button. The next 
object found was a tiny Jap doll. It was a very merry 

[ 304 ] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

evening and so easy to carry out that I am sure many 
of you will be trying it right away. 

NEW IDEA IN PLACE CARDS 

At a luncheon given for twelve guests the hostess 
presented each one with a figure taken from Mother 
Goose. All were told to find their places by seeking 
the articles that would go with the figures. Here are 
some of the characters used: "Majorie Daw," "Old 
King Cole," "The Old Woman that lived in a Shoe," 
"Miss Muffet," "Humpty Dumpty," "Jack Horner," 
"Old Mother Hubbard." 

Marjorie Daw found a small seesaw. Old King Cole 
found his pipe and his bowl. The Old Woman in the 
Shoe found a shoe filled with tiny dolls and Miss Muffet 
a spider. In the center of the table was Jack Horner's 
plum cake, from which boxes filled with "sugar plums" 
were drawn. Mother Hubbard found her "dog." 
It created a spirit of conviviaKty at once. All thought 
it a very unique idea and it is one any hostess may 
carry out. 

SHOWER FOR A SHUT-IN 

This thoughtful affair was arranged for a dear 
"shut-in" whose period of enforced rest lengthened into 
many months and whose hitherto active life made the 
quiet all the harder to bear. This idea was carried 
out by her intimate friends to help celebrate her birth- 
day. First some fifty of her friends were asked to send 
post cards, to arrive during the day. These were a 
great surprise and joy, as each mail brought its 
"shower." Then about a dozen close friends sent 

[ 305 ] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

potted plants and flowers, all timed to arrive at dif- 
ferent hours of the day. To do this, all were sent to 
one house and were distributed each time the clock 
struck the hour, until the twelve fragrant reminders 
had been dispatched on their errands of love. 

PROGRESSIVE CHURCH DINNER 

This is an old but ever effectual scheme for making 
a prosaic church supper a most interesting occasion. 
Choose five hostesses with a good chairman for each 
course and make the charge fifty cents, paying ten 
cents at each house, or a ticket for the whole may be 
issued, if it seems best. At the first house serve either 
a canape, or raw oysters or fruit, as is most convenient. 
Have a pretty centerpiece and plenty of waiters. 
Either several small tables or one long one may be used 
according to how many are to be seated at once. The 
second house will have a soup course, with olives, 
celery, and wafers. The meat course comes next, with 
accessories, and coffee or tea, if desired, with bread 
and butter or buttered rolls and biscuit. At the fourth 
house, salad and wafers with salted nuts make up the 
course, the dessert being served at the fifth house. 
If there is any program to be offered, or any amusement 
scheme, it may be either at the last stop, or at a sixth 
house. This is a plan to be worked out to suit indi- 
vidual needs. 

FOR MOTHER'S BIRTHDAY 

Make the affair informal. In consequence it will 
be most enjoyable. Ask each guest to bring a bit of 
needlework and a picture of herself taken at least 

[306] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

twenty-jBve years ago. These pictures when circulate 
will promote conversation, and to the one guessing the 
most a little souvenir may be awarded. Then have a 
program of old songs and instrumental pieces, such as 
''Flow gently. Sweet Afton," "Maiden's Prayer," 
''Annie Laurie," "Blue Bells of Scotland," etc. 

About the middle of the afternoon pass grape juice 
punch made by flavoring grape juice with lemon, 
making it very sweet, and freezing. Just before serv- 
ing place a spoonful of whipped cream on top of each 
glass. 

In the dining-room have the table lighted with 
candles and ask two of mother's old friends to preside 
at the tea and coflFee urns. Pass dainty chicken 
sandwiches, olives, nuts, peppermint candies, small 
cakes, and wafers. This is suflBcient for an afternoon 
party. 

BIRTHDAY WISHES 

Your birthday makes me wish for you 
Long years, good health, and fortune true. 

My wish is that heaven may bless 
And guard and keep you too; 
That your friends may always be many 
And your sorrows very few. 

A PRAYER FOR A MOTHER's BIRTHDAY 

Lord Jesus, Thou hast known 

A mother's love and tender care: 
And Thou wilt hear, while for my own 

Mother most dear I make this birthday prayer. 

[307] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

Protect her life, I pray, 

Who gave the gift of life to me; 
And may she know, from day to day, 

The deepening glow of Life that comes from Thee. 

As once upon her breast 

Fearless and well content I lay. 
So let her heart, on Thee at rest. 

Feel fears depart and troubles fade away. 

Her every wish fulfil; 

And even if Thou must refuse 
In anything, let Thy wise will 

A comfort bring such as kind mothers use. 

Ah, hold her by the hand, 

As once her hand held mine; 
And though she may not understand 

Life's winding way, lead her in peace divine. 

I can not pay my debt 

For all the love that she has given; 
But thou, love's Lord, wilt not forget 

Her due reward — bless her in earth and heaven. 

Henby van Dyke 

CARD PARTY A LA JAPAN 

Nowadays it is quite easy to procure real Japanese 
stationery on which to write invitations for parties to 
which the hostess wishes to give a touch of novelty by 
having things a bit different. Of course, every one 
should enter into the idea if the hostess asks them to 
come in Oriental costume. If one does not mind the 
extra trouble the cards may be written as the natives 

[308] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

do — up and down instead of across. I have seen 
the invitations typewritten or printed upon Japanese 
napkins and doilies, folded and tied with red tape or 
sealed with red seals. Another pretty way to send the 
invitations is to inclose them in wee Jap lanterns or to 
tie them to small Jap dolls. If the '*doll" scheme is 
used, here is a sample card to be tied around her neck: 

Mrs. Smith 

Sends me to request you to meet my 

"Kinsfolk at a game of 

Cards 

Monday, September TweKth 

En Costume. 

There are many articles to be used in decorating, 
such as Japanese draperies, cushions, bead curtains, 
rugs, baskets, swords, scrolls, umbrellas, vases, fans, 
lanterns, screens, bamboo tables and chairs, Japanese 
fern balls. Tiny Japanese flags and fans may be stuck 
in here and there. Branches of trees profusely covered 
with artificial cherry blossoms make a most effective 
ornamentation for porches and bowers that may be 
erected for the occasion. Incense burners filled with 
delicious Japanese incense powder or sticks will add to 
the occasion. Playing cards with Japanese scenes on 
the backs would be novel, and a gong might be used to 
start the game. Partners may be foimd by matching 
fans and the score kept on cards with Jap decorations. 
For prizes the hostess will find a great variety of articles 
from which to choose. As for refreshments — they 
may be served in buffet style or at the card tables and 
may consist of rice cakes, tea punch, tea as a beverage, 

[309] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

"Japanese" salad, made of all kinds of vegetables, 
served in inverted Japanese umbrellas lined with wax 
paper. Orange sherbet would be pretty served in paper 
boxes hid inside tiny Japanese lanterns, with red and 
yellow ribbons on the handles, or ices in the shape 
of mandarins holding Japanese umbrellas and fans. 
Japanese nuts and confections should be used and, of 
course, paper napkins. 

JAPANESE SUGGESTIONS 

A NEW game to be used at "Jap" aflFairs has just 
come to my notice. It is called "Cage the Pigeon." 
The requirements are a battledore and shuttlecock 
and flower covered cage, made by taking a pasteboard 
box without a top and fastening it against the side of a 
wall, the open top or "cage" being the receptacle to 
catch the shuttlecock. The sides are covered with 
flowers. The game is to send the shuttlecock into the 
cage with a single blow or stroke of the battledore. 
Each time counts one, and five times landing the 
shuttlecock in the cage counts for a prize. (Some 
inexpensive Jap favor.) Backgammon, chess, and 
checkers are favorite games in the Flowery Kingdom 
and may be made a part of a Japanese party. 

I have been told that the Jap batter seller is good 
for a charity entertainment and he may be in a tent or 
booth by himself. Dress a man as a Jap and provide a 
griddle or soapstone on which to bake the cakes. Mix 
a good pancake batter, and each child upon the pay- 
ment of five cents is permitted to pour his or her cake 
onto the griddle and turn the same. 

When cooked the seller sprinkles sugar over the top 

[310] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

and the morsel is laid on a square of oiled paper to be 
eaten at one's leisure. 

At the Jap teahouse or in the tea garden, serve the 
beverage in Jap cups that may be purchased for a 
small sum if desired. Rice wafers go with the tea and 
if something more substantial is wanted, serve tiny 
omelets with a spoonful of boiled rice and a kumquat 
(preserved Japanese oranges). Crystallized ginger is 
appropriate, also a sweet made like peanut brittle, in 
which puflfed rice is used instead of peanuts. 

FOR A STAG DINNER 

A BACHELOR, wishing to entertain some college men 
at dinner, took his sister into his confidence, asking her 
to provide suitable favors with a quotation for the 
place card. Here are the sentiments, which were in- 
scribed with red ink on pipe-shaped cards, and the 
favors were candy boxes in shape of thimbles and spools 
of thread: 

Large was his bounty, and his soul sincere. 

Gray 

They eat, they drink, and in communion sweet 
Quaflf immortality and joy. 

Milton 
At night we'll feast together. 

Shakespeare 

Welcome ever smiles, and farewell goes out sighing. 

Shakespeare 

Welcome the coming, speed the parting guest. 

Pope 

Bear welcome in your eye, your hand, your tongue. 

Shakespeare 
[311] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

BRIDGE LUNCHEON CENTERPIECE 

A MEMBER of a bridge club entertained at luncheon, 
and the centerpiece was hailed with delight by the 
guests. It was a bridge constructed of wire and light 
wooden supports which were twined with vines. The 
wire was concealed by sweet peas which covered it 
completely. Two fairy-like dolls were apparently 
"crossing the bridge." Menu: Cream of celery soup, 
salted almonds, potato roses, cucumber spirals, braised 
sweet breads, peas, squabs on hominy, cress, asparagus 
tips, grape juice sherbet, endive salad, cheese straws. 
The ice-cream was served in slices imitating to per- 
fection the spot cards of the dififerent suits — hearts, 
clubs, diamonds, and spades — which belong to a pack 
of cards. There were two of each kind, and thus 
partners were chosen for the game which was to follow 
the limcheon. 

AN OLD-FASHIONED PARTY 

Desiring something to vary the monotony of the 
commonplace afternoon "tea," one hostess asked her 
guests to wear something very old, either a high-backed 
comb, an antique bit of jewelry, a gown of olden days, 
bonnet, or whatever they might choose. She herself 
appeared in a very quaint costume that had belonged 
to a cousin who had been a New York society belle in 
the days of the old regime. The rooms were furnished 
in old mahogany, so the lighted candles in their tall 
brass candlesticks made a fitting setting. 

When all were present, the hostess passed cards 
bearing these pertinent " old sayings." Twenty minutes 

[312] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

were allowed for supplying the missing words. To the 
winner a prize consisting of a Sheffield candlestick was 
presented. Tea, sandwiches, and unfrosted sponge 
cake were served with peppermints and ginger. The 
following is the list of '* sayings" or proverbs used on 
this occasion. 

OLD SAYINGS 

As poor as a 

As thin as a — 
As fat as a — 

As rough as a — 
As brave as a — 

As spry as a — 
As bright as a — 

As weak as a — 

As proud as a — 

As sly as a — 
As mad as a 

As strong as an — 
As fair as a — 

As empty as — 
As rich as old — 

As cross as a — 

As pure as an — 

As neat as a — 
As smart as a 

As ugly as — 
As dead as a 

As white as a — 
As flat as a — 

As red as a — 

[313] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

As round as an — 

As black as your — 
As brown as a — 

As blind as a — 
As mean as a — 

As full as a — 
As plump as a — 

As sharp as a — 

As clean as a — 

As dark as a — 
As hard as — 

As bitter as — 
As jGLne as a — 

As clear as a — 
As dry as a — 

As deep as a — 

As light as a — 

As firm as a — 
As stiff as a — 

As calm as a — 
As green as a — 

As brisk as a — 
And now let me stop. 

Lest you weary of me. 

The words to be supplied are, in their proper order: 
Church mouse, rail, pig, gale, lion, cat, dollar, rat, 
peacock, fox, march hare, ox, lily, air, Croesus, bear, 
angel, pin, steel trap, sin, door nail, sheet, pancake, 
beet, orange, hat, nut, bat, miser, tick, partridge, stick, 
whistle, pall, flint, gall, fiddle, bell, sponge, well, feather, 
rock, poker, clock, gosling, bee. 

[314] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

A PIN PARTY 

The hostess pricked out the invitation on a card to 
which she attached her visiting card by a small glass- 
headed pin. When the guests had arrived a contest 
was held to see who could put the most pins in a paper 
in ten minutes. Neatness was counted. The next 
contest was to see who could best make their initials 
in small satin pincushions, which were given as sou- 
venirs. All sorts of colored headed pins as well as 
black and white ones were provided. Then plain black 
hat pins were produced with sticks of colored sealing 
wax and hat pins were made. 

Next a clothes line was stretched across the room. 
Each guest was provided with a clothes pin bag, which 
was tied around her waist and filled with clothes pins. 
Four minutes were allowed for pinning them on. 
This was very laughable, and the prize was a rolling 
pin for the most successful pinner. After this every 
one made clothes pin houses with fences, and a paper 
of pins was awarded as a prize. 

When it came time for refreshments it was seen that 
the napkins were fastened together with small gilded 
clothes pins. Croquettes made long and narrow, and 
bits of macaroni in each end to make them resemble 
miniature clothes pins, were served. Hot cheese balls 
with the salad were perched on the end of new skewers 
which the butcher provided, to make them look Uke 
hat pins, and the lettuce was pinned with w^ee safety 
pins to make a hollow cup to hold the fruit salad. 
There were round fat cakes served with the ice-cream 
and each held an inexpensive but good-looking stick- 

[315] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

pin. In a Jack Horner pie the hostess had concealed 
cunning boxes of hairpins for the girls, attached to 
blue ribbons, and pins balls for the men, attached 
to pink ribbons. This is a very easy party to pre- 
pare for and produces a great deal of fun. 

REPRESENTATIVE BIRTHDAY PARTY 

To add interest to a birthday party, ask your guests 
to come in a costume representing some one whose 
birthday occurs in the month you give the party, or 
to wear something indicative of an event in the month. 
For instance, in the month of November some one could 
represent a topaz, one could be a chrysanthemum, 
another could represent Thanksgiving. There will be 
no dullness. For refreshments, have a big birthday 
cake for the centerpiece, surrounded by a circle (made 
from a barrel hoop) filled with candles. For something 
diflFerent for refreshments have scalloped oysters, in 
ramekins, minced ham and olive sandwiches, salted 
pistachio nuts, molasses kisses, and macaroon ice- 
cream. Of course, have cider and coffee to drink, with 
doughnuts for the men. I never knew a creature of 
the masculine persuasion who did not audibly express 
his pleasure at the sight of '* fried holes," as a youngster 
of my acquaintance calls them. To add zest to the 
occasion, you might offer a small prize for the costume 
or character hardest to guess. 

CHOOSING PARTNERS AT A MUSICAL PARTY 

An up-to-date music teacher had monthly meetings 
of all her pupils, some twenty in number. On this 
occasion each pupil was told to invite a friend. After 

[316] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

the games and program, slips of paper were passed. 
Part of them bore the following questions, and the 
others held the answers. When a ''question" foimd 
her ''answer," the couple went into the dining-room 
for refreshments. Try it. 

1. Used on a bundle — Chord (cord). 

2. A place of residence — Flat. 

3. A reflection on character — Slur. 

4. Bottom of a statue — Bass (base). 

5. An unaffected person — Natural. 

6. Used in driving horses — Lines. 

7. What makes a check valid — Signature. 

8. What we breathe every day — Air. 

9. Seen on the ocean — Swells. 

10. What betrays nationality — Accent. 

11. An association of lawyers — Bar. 

12. Used in climbing — Staff. 

13. Part of a sentence — Phrase. 

14. Belonging to a fish — Scales. 

15. Used in w^heeling — Pedals. 

16. A girl's name — Grace. 

17. Used in flavoring soup — Time (thyme). 

18. Often passed in school — Notes. 

19. Used in a store — Coimters. 

20. An instrument not blunt — Sharp. 

A BARGAIN PARTY 

True to the feminine love of bargains, a young 
hostess sprung this plan upon her unsuspecting guests. 
There were men in the party, too, for the masculine 
mind is also fond of a shrewd deal, though they do not 
admit it as honestly as we women do. 

[317] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

On a table there were a number of packages, each 
wrapped in tissue paper and tied with ribbons. Most 
of the articles were funny jokes, as the examples given 
will show, but there were three or four things suitable 
for souvenirs or favors. Each box bore a sentence or 
quotation indicating the contents. A package was 
selected by each one, with the information that ten 
minutes would be allowed for swapping or bargaining. 
When the bell rang all business must cease. It was 
very funny to hear the merry traders and the peals of 
laughter when the boxes were opened. 

A **Pair of Slippers" proved to be pieces of orange 
and banana peel. A "Member of the Smart Set" was 
a mustard spoon. A ''Rare Bit of Old Lace" was a 
bit of old shoe lace, and a match in a jeweler's box was 
labeled: "What All Women hope to make." 

After the bargains had been made every one was 
given a card with a pencil attached. Each was re- 
quested to write an advertisement of the article for 
which they had bargained. A prize was awarded for 
the best "ad," all of which were read aloud by the 
hostess. A vote was taken as to the merits of the 
article and the cleverness of the "ad." 

A SAMPLE PARTY 

This is certainly a most amusing affair and will repay 
a hostess for the trouble of arranging for it, although 
to be a successful hostess the labor that precedes an 
event should never enter into the calculations. There 
must be an equal number of men and women. Eight 
couples make a party easily provided for. 

In the invitations to the girls the hostess requests a 

[318] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

sample of the gowns which they will wear and to the 
men the missives request a sample of the necktie. 
These must be sent in advance to the hostess. The 
samples are neatly mounted on *' sample" cards. The 
neckties are passed to the girls, the dress materials to 
the men. In this way partners are found for the 
progressive conversation which will follow. The men 
are to write descriptions of the gown, the sample of 
which fell to their lot, and the girls are to write about 
the ties, material, style, etc. Five minutes will be given 
for these descriptions, and then the papers will be read 
aloud. The prizes should be sample packages of any 
product the hostess may select. 

The refreshments will be novel, inasmuch as the 
hostess will have the tea and coffee made by a "demon- 
strator" (one of the party who has been previously 
asked to do it) and the other things served in boxes 
marked ''samples." There will be sandwiches of 
various kinds, olives, salad, small cakes, etc. The 
contents of the boxes will be spread upon the table, 
which is supplied with all the requisites in the way of 
dishes. 

While at the table the room may be suddenly dark- 
ened and little saucers containing a mixture of chopped 
nuts, candies, and crackers passed and eaten. When 
the lights are turned on each one must write down what 
he has had, the one nearest correct being given a ''sam- 
ple" cake of chocolate. 

A PIE-PLANT PARTY 

It was Polly's turn to entertain the club which con- 
sisted of seven as jolly couples as the sun ever shone 

[319] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

upon. Polly was noted for unusual stunts, and this 
was a poser, for the in\dtation said : 

Please come to my Pie-plant 

Next Friday at three; 
I can't now explain it. 

But just come and see. 

\Mien all had arrived, bubbling over with curiosity, 
they were given cards in the shape of a quarter of pie 
with cards attached, which said: ''Pie-plant: A place 
or factory where pies are made." Below was the list, 
^dthout the answers, of course. The hostess explained 
that the answers all had the sound of "pie," but not 
necessarily spelled so. Twenty minutes was the time 
allotted and the reward was a confectionery box in the 
shape of pie filled with deUcious bonbons. 

QUESTIONS 

1. Pertaining to fireworks. 2. A portico. 3. One 
who prepares the way. 4. A mineral. 5. A tube. 
6. A fruit. 7. A large snake. 8. A kind of type. 
9. Reverence. 10. Of various colors. 11. An out- 
law. 12. A musical instrument. 13. The nap of 
wool or cotton. 14. A kind of spice or pickle. 15. 
A plant. 16. A measure. 17. A square column. 
18. Confused type. 19. A guide. 20. Devout. 
21. A philosopher. 

ANSWERS 

1. Pyrotechnic. 2. Piazza. 3. Pioneer. 4. Py- 
rites. 5. Pipe. 6. Pineapple. 7. Python. 8. Pica. 
9. Piety. 10. Piebald. 11. Pirate. 12. Piano. 13. 
Pile. 14. Pimento. 15. Pie-plant. 16. Pint. 17. 

[320] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

Pilaster. 18. Pi. 19. Pilot. 20. Pious. 21. Py- 
thagoras. 

Next there were small pies passed to seven people, 
each with a missing slice. The other seven were given 
a slice which was to be fitted to a pie. 

In this way partners were chosen for this amusing 
little game. Bright tin pie plates were passed, one for 
each couple, on which were a number of letters, which 
the hostess told us were printer's ''pie." When the 
letters were properly put into words the result would 
be well-known quotations. The letter beginning the 
sentence was done in red ink. The rest were black, 
and each couple worked together. There were real 
pies for these prizes. A huge Jack Horner pie con- 
tained favors for all, and the refreshments were ice- 
cream tarts. 

A QUADRUPLE BIRTHDAY PARTY 

At a party given by a hostess in honor of four young 
bachelors, all having birthdays in the same week, the 
table was glorious to behold. There were four beautiful 
cakes in a row as a centerpiece, each surrounded by a 
circle of candles. The color scheme was, indeed, clever, 
the candles being blue, pink, green, and yellow and the 
wreath around each cake matched in flowers. There 
were blue forget-me-nots, pink carnations, maidenhair 
ferns with mignonette and daffodils. A tall candle was 
in the center of each cake. 

The place cards were postals ornamented with the 
birthstone and motto of each guest. Below is the list 
of stones with their symbols for each month. It was 

[321] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

given to me by an Oriental and is supposed to be 
correct. 

By the way, it is quite the thing now to give the 
birthday stone for an engagement ring, having it made 
expressly after a unique design. Bracelets, garters, 
and amulets are set with these individual stones and 
given as love tokens. The list of birthstones follows : 

January — Garnets, Constancy and Fidelity. 
February — Amethyst, Sincerity. 
March — Bloodstone, Wisdom and Courage. 
April — Diamonds, Innocence. 
May — Emerald, Success in Love. 
June — Agate, Health and Wealth. 
July — Ruby, Contented Mind. 
August — Sardonyx, True Friendship. 
September — Sapphire, Constancy. 
October — Opal, Hope and Good Luck. 
November — Topaz, Friends and Honors. 
December — Turquoise, Prosperity. 

A POST-OFFICE PARTY 

There were just twenty guests, who received in- 
vitations on pretty post-cards. Good imitations of 
postmen's caps were made from gray crepe tissue paper 
and cardboard, with a "U. S." in gold on the front. 
Also little bags like postmen carry had been made 
from brown drilling. An outfit was given to each child, 
and all were told to call for mail at the "general de- 
livery" window, which had been fashioned in one of 
the rooms. An older brother of the Uttle host acted as 
postmaster. 

[322] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

The first distribution of mail brought each child a 
card saying that he or she was urgently requested to go 
into the next room, where a contest in needlework 
would take place. Here were found boxes of beads, 
needles threaded, and the children were told that the 
one who strung the most beads in ten minutes would 
receive a prize. Every one worked hard, and at the 
expiration of the time a whistle blew, and the "post- 
office" was again open. This time each child received 
a note telling him to do some stunt. For instance: 
"Grace Jones" was told to go down in the basement 
and find a package wrapped in white paper under the 
work bench. "Tom Brown" was told to escort 
"Grace" on her perilous journey to the lower regions, 
etc. This made loads of fun, for children dearly love 
mystery and excitement. 

Next the postmaster distributed postals telling who 
would be partners for refreshments, and, lastly, there 
were parcels for each one containing favors. Each 
time there was a sign put over the "deUvery window" 
telUng when "the next mail would be in." 

The children said they never before had such a fine 
time, and the young boy's mother said she was well 
repaid for all the preparation. The guests were from 
ten to twelve years of age. 

A STATE CONTEST 

"Can you recognize your own State.^" Don't be 
too sure until you try. A group of about fifty women 
were asked to an afternoon affair and found the rooms, 
hall, and stair landing covered with bits of paper about 
half the size of this page on which just the outlines of 

[323] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

the States were drawn, with the water done in blue 
where there was a coast. Programs were passed, 
numbered up to forty-seven, and each State bore a 
number. A half hour was allotted for finding "where 
you lived," and when the hostess called "time" no one 
had recognized all. Thirty-three was the highest 
number and was announced by a white-haired guest, 
who said her early training in map drawing served her 
in good stead; that she recognized the States of her 
childhood days easily, but was quite at sea with the 
new additions to the map. 

The refreshments were carried out in pink. Ice- 
cream was served in pink meringues; crescent-shaped 
cakes were iced in pink; and lady-fingers were split in 
halves with a conundrum written on pink paper placed 
between and the halves tied together with pink ribbon. 
There were pink bonbons, and pink roses were the 
decorations. 

A ^'NEW WOMAN" PARTY 

"A NEW woman party" — did you ever hear of one? 
Or, better still, did you ever attend one.^^ They are 
great fun and are conducted in this manner: 

The hostess who worked out this idea went on the 
supposition that if woman is attempting to do a man's 
work in the world, man may have to do the tasks 
usually belonging to the gentler sex. So the men who 
attended this revelry found varied household tasks 
allotted to them. Threading needles was one, five 
minutes being allowed, and at the expiration of the 
time the man who had the most threaded needles to his 
credit was awarded a prize for that especial contest. 

[324] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

During this time the women sharpened pencils, their 
work judged by the men amid peals of laughter. 

Next came a buttonhole contest for the men and 
driving nails for the women, each one having a strip of 
wood, six nails, and a hammer. Then the men trimmed 
hats (which the girls had brought with the trimmings), 
and the girls rolled umbrellas, the men being judges of 
the latter and the girls of the hats. 

The last contest was the funniest of all. The men 
were asked to write recipes for "angel's food," chicken 
salad, bread, etc., each one to write a different recipe, 
according to whatever was written on his slip of paper. 
The women were to write on business subjects, such as 
investing in stocks, starting a store, buying property, 
etc. Each side was allowed fifteen minutes to work 
out these problems, and I assure you the judges had a 
lively time. 

A chafing-dish supper was served, the men assisting 
or hindering, as the case might be. There were four 
chafing-dishes, and the rules for each one were provided 
by the hostess. 

COFFEE AND GOSSIP 

"'Mrs. Grundy' will be 'at home' on Monday at 
the residence of Miss Belle Browne from three to five. 
Bring your work." All the guests, some twenty in 
number, were very well acquainted and all responded 
eagerly to the invitation. When every one had come 
and all were cozily seated around the open fire with 
their work and a plate of delicious candy, the hostess 
said in a most confidential manner : 

"Do you know, I heard something the other day 

[S25] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

that seems hardly credible," — and then she proceeded 
to tell the most outlandish bit of gossip about one of the 
guests. Then each one in turn was asked to relate a 
similar morsel of gossip about some one present. The 
stories were funny in the extreme and soon every one 
was in perfect gales of laughter. There were no 
matrons present, and when they went to the dining- 
room there was a ribbon leading to each place with 
the words: ''On the end you'll find your fate." 

The tall maiden found a nice dapper little man (a 
picture) on her ribbon when she pulled it from under the 
floral centerpiece (all knew how she disliked a small 
man); the society belle found a nice, dignified young 
clergyman; the engaged girl had the head of her fiance 
glued on top of a fine, portly-looking old man, with the 
words "Ten years hence " on it. The pictures had been 
cut from old magazines. The whole affair was one 
prolonged gale of merriment and the girls all declared 
that if the old saying "laugh and grow fat" proved true 
they had all added many pounds to their avoirdupois. 

DINNER TABLE ENTERTAINMENT 

While seated over the "walnuts and wine" a clever 
hostess one night read the following which provoked 
a great deal of merriment. She prefaced her remarks by 
saying there were a number of articles she wished to 
purchase and that perhaps some one could assist her in 
obtaining them. Here is the list: 

A cushion for the seat of war. 
A sheet for the bed of a river. 
A ring for the finger of scorn. 
[326] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

A glove for the hand of fate. 

A shoe for the foot of a mountain. 

A sleeve for the arm of the law. 

Suspenders for the pants of a dog. 

A cure for the bite from the tooth of a saw. 

A string to spin the top of a mountain. 

A set of teeth for the mouth of a river. 

A lock for the trimk of an elephant. 

An opener for the jaws of death. 

A pair of glasses for the eyes of the law. 

A feather for the wings of the wind. 

A key for the lock to the door of success. 

A blanket for the cradle of the deep. 

Ammunition for a war of words. 

Food — for reflection. 

Scales for the weight of years. 

A button for a coat of paint. 

A thermometer to measure the heat of an argument, 

A rung for the ladder of fame. 

A hinge for the gait of a horse. 

A weight for a scale in music. 

A tombstone for the dead of night. 

A razor to shave the face of the earth. 

A link for a chain of evidence. 

A pump for a well of knowledge. 

A pair of reins for a bridal tour. 

A chisel to engrave the rock of ages. 

A telescope to watch the flight of time. 

A solution to the problem of life. 

A song that will reach an ear of corn. 

A hone to sharpen a blade of grass. 

A lime to mix with the sands of time. 

[327] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

A cemetery in which to bury some dead languages. 

A rule that doesn't work both ways. 

A front and a back for the sides of an argument. 

A book on how the water works and the frost bites. 

A medicine to keep the ink well. 

A dog to replace the bark of a tree. 

A pair of pincers to pull the root of evil. 

A new rudder for the ship of state. 

A treatise on what makes the weather vane and the 
roads cross. 

An explanation of why a gun wales and steam 
whistles. 

An explanation of why the corn is shocked when the 
limbs of the tree are bare. 

A liniment to stop the pane of glass. 

A key for a lock of hair. 

MOTHER GOOSE PARTY 

Masquerade and fancy dress parties are always 
delightful, but of all the pleasant gatherings that I 
have attended the Mother Goose party takes the lead. 
Invitations conveying the information that Mother 
Goose will be pleased to welcome her goslings at a 
certain house and on a certain date should be sent out 
fully two weeks in advance. A card containing the 
request that each guest come in the costume of some 
character found in Mother Goose should be inclosed. 
If one is clever with pen and ink or water-colors the 
invitations may be made most attractive by the addition 
of sketches portraying Little Jack Horner or the Three 
Blind Mice who are being pursued by the Farmer's 
Wife with her Carving Knife. 

[328] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

You may be sure that these notes will create a ripple 
of excitement among the young people and Mother 
Goose books will be at a premium — especially those 
with colored illustrations. Great ingenuity may be 
exercised in getting up the costumes. I attended one 
of these famous parties and stationed myself in the 
large hall to watch the guests come in. Most of the 
girls were without escorts as they were determined to 
keep their identity a secret from brothers and sweet- 
hearts. Mother Goose herself was the hostess. She 
stood in the bay window and welcomed a motley 
throng. Old King Cole entered first, followed by his 
Fiddlers Three. Little Red Riding Hood was charming 
in her scarlet cape and carried a little basket filled with 
candy instead of eggs and butter. The Queen of Hearts 
was radiant in a gorgeous gown and Rain, Rain, Go 
Away was represented by a pretty little blonde who 
held over her a huge red umbrella. Little Boy Blue 
dashed into the room blowing his horn and carrying an 
immense white cotton sheep. There were also Little 
Bo Peep, Daffy Down Dilly, "in her white petticoat 
and a green gown," Jack and Jill with the proverbial 
pail of water between them, and Jack Horner sitting 
contentedly with his pie in the corner. Humpty 
Dumpty looked none the worse for his great fall. 
Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary proved herself most 
agreeable. Old Mother Hubbard had her dog and 
Little Miss Muffet'her bowl of curds and whey. Taffy, 
the Welshman (the most popular lad in the town) was 
one of the best representations and was much sought 
after in spite of his propensity for stealing. 

There was great merriment when the masks were 

[329] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

removed. It was a dancing party and Mother Goose 
led the grand march with Old King Cole. One of the 
Fiddlers Three happened to be a fine violinist and with 
a good pianist furnished excellent music. Refresh- 
ments were served, and I venture to say that not one of 
those young people will ever forget the Mother Goose 
party. 

A PEANUT FROLIC 

The invitations were delivered done up in a peanut 
tied with white ribbon. On opening the peanut we 
found the following: 

Come to my Peanut Frolic 
Friday Evening October first 
Eight o'clock 
Mrs. William Jones 

The first game was a peanut hunt. The second was 
"progressive peanut spearing." Each guest was pro- 
vided with a hat pin. There were four guests at each 
table, and each table was provided with a bowl of 
peanuts. The guests were allowed to take hold of the 
head of the hat pins with two fingers, just using the two. 
We then proceeded the same as in playing cards — 
four rounds. At the end the two having the greatest 
number of peanuts moved to the next table. Move 
as many times as agreed upon in the beginning. 

With the third game each guest received a peanut 
with a yard of thread dangling. One at a time we had 
to take the end of the thread in the mouth, cross our 
hands behind our backs, and try to chew the thread 
until we reached the peanut. The easiest way was to 

[330] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

twist the thread around the tongue and then t^vdst the 
tongue around the thread. One of the guests did it in 
five seconds. 

The lunch served was carried out as far as possible 
with peanuts. The favors were boxes in the shape of 
peanuts filled with salted peanuts. Peanut sandwiches, 
peanut cookies, cake, and even peanut candy were 
served. 

A FAD PARTY 

Each person now has her own especial hobby, — the 
more practical the better. With this in mind a young 
hostess sent out invitations asking each guest to come 
prepared to tell of her own particular fad and, if possible, 
to bring a specimen and be prepared to talk five minutes 
about it. 

It was a very interesting afternoon. One lady who 
had selected plates for her specialty brought a most 
beautiful old Sevres piece that wdll some day be worth 
a king's ransom. In her travels plates are always her 
quest and her dining-room testifies to her success. 

Anniversary cups and saucers were one woman's fad. 
As each wedding day comes she adds an exquisite cup 
to her collection. They are for after-dinner coffee and 
show off to advantage when she serves black coffee in 
the drawing-room. 

A prospective bride adds a towel to her linen chest 
every trip she takes. On these she puts her monogram 
in the colors her bedrooms are to be. A dime bank 
was the source of one guest's finances \vath which to 
indulge her fad of teapots, many of which she bought at 
auction shops. 

[331] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

Handkerchiefs were the pet hobby of a dainty little 
maiden dressed in blue. She had them from all over 
the world, besides many fine creations of her own fair 
hands. 

The intellectual girl confessed that books were her 
particular weakness, and she has many of them in- 
scribed with the author's name. She possesses some 
rare first editions, and was justly proud of a splendid 
bookplate drawn by a famous illustrator. 

A BROWN AND YELLOW MENU 

A HOSTESS who is most individual in all that she does 
has adopted shades of brown and yellow as her own. 
She uses stationery of a very soft yellow with her 
monogram in brown and brown ink. This she uses 
for her invitations whenever she entertains. On one 
of these occasions she served the following delicious 
menu: 

BROWN CROQUETTES POTATO BALLS 

BROWN BREADSTICKS 

CHICKEN SALAD YELLOW MAYONNAISE 

ORANGE ICE-CREAM, SERVED IN ORANGE-PEEL BASKET 

CHOCOLATE CAKE CHOCOLATE ICING 

CHOCOLATE AND LEMON BONBONS 

YELLOW CHEESE BALLS 

COFFEE, WITH YELLOW WHIPPED CREAM 

Afterwards the guests played cards. The score cards 
were yellow with sepia prints at top. The pencils were 
yellow and the prizes done up in brown tissue paper 
with yellow ribbons. All the flowers were yellow, in 
brown jars and bowls. 

[332] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

SHUT YOUR EYES 

This is a funny little stunt enjoyed alike by old and 
young. If one has never tried it it is very amusing to 
learn how difficult it is to find anything or to judge 
distances with one's eyes shut. First place a piece of 
paper on the floor before you, shut your eyes, walk 
backward two steps, then try to walk to the paper and 
pick it up. Stick a pin in the wall about four feet up 
and try to pick it off blindfolded. Stand about five 
or six feet away from a table, shut the eyes, and try to 
walk up to it without knocking against it. Many other 
things may be devised to show how dependent we are 
upon sight. 

A PROVERB CONTEST 

This may be given orally (like a spelling bee) or 
may be a written game. Limit each one to a half 
minute (if played orally) after the first word is named. 
The class is conducted in this way: The teacher men- 
tions the first word of a well-known proverb, the pupil 
called upon must finish it. If unable to do so in the 
time limit it is passed to the next one, and so on down 
the line imtil some one or no one finishes it. If the 
proverb begins with '*a," '*an," or "the," or any very 
small word, two or more words should be given to start 
the pupil off. To help make out the Kst a few proverbs 
are given here: 

A stitch in time saves nine. 

All is not gold that glitters. 

Honesty is the best policy. 

A friend in need is a friend indeed. 

[ 333 ] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

A word to the wise is suiBBcient. 

Half a loaf is better than no loaf. 

When angry, count ten before you speak; if very 
angry, count a hundred. 

A bird in hand is worth two in the bush. 

A penny saved is a penny earned. 

Procrastination is the thief of time. 

Make hay while the sun shines. 

Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. 

Every cloud has a silver lining. 

Appearances are often deceiving. 

Blessings brighten as they take their flight. 

Never coimt your chickens before they are hatched. 

A little nonsense now and then is relished by the best 
of men. 

No news is good news. 

Look before you leap. 

Out of sight, out of mind. 

Let them laugh that win. 

He that is down need fear no fall. 

TO FIND PARTNERS 

At a large informal evening party a hostess had her 
guests find partners in this way : She wished to mingle 
in the crowd as much as possible and to prevent those 
who were well acquainted from forming into cliques, 
which so many people thoughtlessly do. On entering, 
each man was given a paper and pencil and at once 
introduced to a lady with whom he was to converse for 
five minutes. Then he was to retire and write a careful 
description of her appearance, describe her gown, hair, 
etc. After ten or fiiteen minutes these papers were all 

[334] 



PARTIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

collected. At refreshment time they were distributed 
broadcast among the men and each was asked to find 
the woman answering to the description and take her 
to supper. This made no end of fun, and I assure 
you it was a half -hour before all were properly mated 
according to the papers. 



[335] 



ENTERTAINMENTS FOR CHURCHES 
AND CLUBS 



ENTERTAINMENTS FOR CHURCHES 
AND CLUBS 

A TEA PARTY 




HIS was a novel tea in every respect 
of the word and is an adaptable 
^ scheme for any club or society 
I which may wish to make a goodly 
sum for the treasury. Invitations 
were issued on cardboard in shape 
of a fat little teapot annoimcing 
when and where the tea would be served and that 
articles pertaining to teas would be on sale. A small 
admission fee was charged, as it made just that much 
clear profit. Then there was a central booth which 
represented the old nursery rime: "Cross-patch, draw 
the latch, sit by the fire and spin, etc." Tea had been 
contributed by merchants and was on sale in various 
sized packages and in canisters. Then there were tea- 
balls, teaspoons, tea cozies, teapots, tea cups, tiles for 
tea rests, tea strainers and tea cloths for the tea table, 
all for sale in charge of attractive attendants. Tea 
was served in a Japanese garden, and all sorts of 
dainties for afternoon tea were arranged on prettily 
decorated tables. There were candied ginger, stuffed 
dates, wafers of all kinds, jars of orange marmalade, 
and fancy sandwiches. Any of these articles could be 

[ 339 ] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

selected to be served with one's cup of tea, and there 
were bills of fare with prices on the tea tables. 

One booth, which was in the shape of a letter T, had 
fancy aprons of all kinds, most of them dainty creations 
to be worn at teas or chafing-dish suppers. There was 
also a clever contest called '*Tea for Every One." 
Questions like the following were written on cards in 
the shape of a teapot and the answers all had to end in 
'*ty." There were thirty questions. These will serve 
for an example: 

A tea that every one enjoys Hospitality 

Tea for the light-hearted Hilarity 

Tea for a worldly woman Vanity 

Tea for church members Christianity 

Tea for poor people Poverty 

Tea for nuns Chastity 

Tea for stout people Obesity 

Tea for worried people Anxiety 

Tea for landowner Realty 

Tea for the sedate Sobriety 

Tea for angels Purity 

NOVEL BAZAAR FEATURE 

The ice-cream cone is here to stay, the children love 
it and — on the quiet — so do the grown ups. At an 
open air bazaar given for a "settlement" there were all 
sorts of attractions, but the north pole grotto was by 
all odds the favorite. It was built of white materials, 
covered with "sparkles." "Teddy" bears of huge pro- 
portions, and some of smaller size, clambered up the 
sides, while on the very tiptop a big white bear, loaned 

[340] 



CHURCHES AND CLUBS 

by an obliging fur house, held the American flag. In- 
side, clad in snowy apron and cap, a man made the 
cones, while an assistant filled them. A percent was 
paid the owner of the cone outfit, and still a large sum 
was realized for charity. 

LEMON PARTY 

Nowadays there must be some specially attractive 
scheme to lure the public inside the portals of a charity 
or church affair. Realizing this, a ladies' aid society 
planned this lemon party, which was facetiously 
termed a "lemon squeeze" by the young people. The 
tickets which were sold were in shape of a lemon and 
were lemon-colored. On the stated evening three young 
men acted as doorkeepers. One took the tickets, one 
presided at a table on which was a jar containing lemon 
seeds, and one presented a blank book in which those 
entering wrote their names, addresses, and number of 
seeds. The ticket presented allowed one vote. If any 
one wished another a small sum was charged. There 
was no limit to the number of votes. No one should 
know how many seeds the jar contained and the count- 
ing of the same was a feature later on in the evening. 
A prize or two, consisting of a stick of lemon candy, 
a bottle of lemon drops, a free glass of lemonade, etc., 
were awarded to the lucky guessers. Of course, all 
this made fun. A lemon squeezer was the consolation 
prize. A lemon tree with lemon crepe paper fruit 
furnished inviting ''grabs" for the children at five 
cents per. The lights were shaded in lemon-colored 
paper and the attendants were in yellow frocks, with 
quaint Uttle lemon-shaped caps. They had a lemon 

[341] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

race, in which six lemons were carried on a fork, one 
at a time, over a given course. There were an umpire 
and timekeeper. The one making the best time won 
the six lemons. Here is what they served: 

LEMON PIE LEMON SNAPS 

LEMON WAFERS 

LEMON CAKE 

LEMON ICE TEA WITH LEMON 

LEMONADE 

LEMON CANDY 

A CHURCH ENTERTAINMENT 

A YOUNG people's society gave this successful and 
interesting affair. 

Four large houses about three blocks apart were 
selected. The first was called "New England." The 
hostess and her assistants were gowned in colonial 
costumes and the decorations were of the same char- 
acter. They served baked beans, doughnuts, pumpkin 
pie, sliced cold meats, pound cake, and cup custards. 
This service was a la carte. 

The second house was "Way Down in Dixie." The 
attendants were in dainty summer gowns and there 
were quantities of flowers. Cold drinks, chicken pie, 
sweet potato croquettes, rice pudding, and corn bread 
were sold. 

The "Wild and Woolly West" was represented at 
the third house. The girls were in outing suits, wide 
felt hats, etc. Bacon sandwiches, pie, and coffee were 
dispensed. . 

Of course, the fourth place represented the absolutely 

[342] 



CHURCHES AND CLUBS 

correct and effete East. Up-to-date evening attire 
was worn and there was a stringed orchestra, palms, 
etc. Chicken salad, creams, and ices were served with 
the usual reception table accessories. 

BEEHIVE FESTIVAL 

Of charity affairs there are many and I want to tell 
you of this one, which is seasonable at any time of the 
year. Posters were decorated with an enormous bee- 
hive at the top, in and out of which bees were flying. 
The heads of the bees were all faces of girls and women. 
The announcement beneath was as follows: 

Behold a Beehive Bazaar, and 

Bewitching 

Beauties beseech you to be there 

Barterings of Belongings, Bonbons, and 

Blossoms 

Bounty Bestowed 

Brain Contest — Beauty and Beast 

Beheld 

Beginning Fee — ten cents 

Be Betimes 

The committees were classed under four heads: 
Boys, Beauties, Benedicts, and Bachelors. The various 
booths were all flower-decorated. At one there were 
bonbons and blossoms. Over one counter was this 
sign, "Bargains to be bartered." At a ''Lost and 
Found" department this placard attracted attention 
and nickels: "Bundles, boxes, and baskets checked, or 
delivered." At a table for children in charge of the 
"busy bees," toys, books, bears, and bunnies were on 

[ 343 ] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

sale. In the refreshment beehive the following menu 
was served, also light refreshments, consisting of hot 
biscuit and honey with a cup of tea: 

BROTH 

BARNYARD BEASTS (chickcn) BACON BEEF 

BAKED BEANS BAKED POTATOES 

BREAD, BROWN AND BLEACHED 

BUNS AND BUTTER 

BERRIES (strawberries) 

BANANAS WITH BEATEN CREAM 

BEWITCHED BEVERAGES (frozen ices) 

BAKED BOUNTY (cakes) 
BEVERAGES (tEA, COFFEE, LEMONADE) 

Orders were taken for honey in the comb or strained 
and put up in glass jars. This was sent on commission 
and it proved successful for both parties. 

A BIRD FESTIVAL 

This charming program might be given as an adjunct 
to a church fair or bazaar given in the springtime, or 
it is capital for school entertainments. I give the 
program as I found it, but to make it a bit more in- 
teresting there could be a paper upon bird music or on 
personal experiences with local birds. Material for 
such papers may be obtained at any reference library 
and from the magazines. These books are also ex- 
cellent: ''Baby Days" and "The Tricks and Manners 
of a Catbird," by Ohve Thorne Miller; ''Bird Life and 
its Romance," by John Lea. The program follows: 

Reading — From "Our Neighbors, the Birds," by 
Mabel Osgood Wright. 
[ 344 ] 



CHURCHES AND CLUBS 

Reading or recitation — Shelley's **To a Sky Lark." 

Paper — **The Birds and the MiUiner." 

Reading — From *'The Tragedies of the Nests," by 
John Burroughs. 

Song — *' Spring hath waked the Song Bird," by 
Mendelssohn. 

Reading — From '*Bird Courtship," by John Bur- 
roughs. 

Recitation — "The Robin singing in the Rain," by 
Kate Upson Clark. 

Song — *' Swing, Robin, Swing." 

There are some beautiful poems and songs appro- 
priate for this program. Among them are: "O, 
Swallow, Swallow, flying South," from Tennyson's 
•* Princess," Wordsworth's "To a Sky Lark," "From 
Twig to Twig," by Rubinstein, "The Passage Birds' 
Farewell," by Mendelssohn, and "The Nightingale," 
by Schumann. Liza Lehman has also written some 
dehghtful bird songs, among them "The Wood Pigeon," 
"The Yellowhammer," and "The Owl." 

HANDKERCHIEF SALE 

The following verses are a copy of those sent out by a 
church society. The Unes explain themselves and the 
result was most satisfactory. On the date set for the 
sale a lady with a large house placed it at the disposal 
of the guild, and the tables displaying the handkerchiefs 
were attractively arranged. There was one called the 
"Memory" table, and the handkerchiefs were all con- 
tributed by people who had once been in the church, 
but who had moved away or were out of town. The 

[ 345 ] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

members of the society had made a number of articles 
from handkerchiefs, such as sleeve protectors, aprons, 
sweeping caps, turnover collars, bureau and chiflEonier 
covers, bags, and baby caps. 

Tea was served and a short musical program offered 
for which a small sum was charged. I am sure this is a 
fine plan to work on for an Easter week sale. 

To all our friends, though far or near. 
We crave your kind attention; 

So please to lend us now your ear 
While we a subject mention. 

The members of our League will hold 

On a date not distant far. 
If we have been correctly told, 

A Handkerchief Bazaar. 

So this, then, is our plea in brief. 

To aid our enterprise. 
You each shall send a handkerchief 

Of any kind or size. 

To be without a handkerchief 
You know is quite distressing; 

From every State let one be sent, 
'Twill surely be a blessing. 

A NOVEL CHURCH SUPPER 

I READ of this affair a long time ago, — so long that 
I am quite sure it will be new to many of our readers. 
It was called *'A Pie-d Affair" and was arranged by 
the young people of a church society. It was certainly 
somewhat different from the ordinary church supper. 

[346] 



CHURCHES AND CLUBS 

Here is the menu. It was printed on round brownish 
bits of paper to look Uke pies : 

A PIE-D AFFAIR 
"Things are seldom what they seem." 
DAKEB ANEBS LODC ATEM 

(baked beans) (cold meat) 

OBWNR RABDE DERCEAM OTATOP 

(brown bread) (creamed potato) 

KUMPNIP lEP FOEFCE LYJEL 

(pumpkin pie) (coffee jelly) 

The tables were tastefully arranged with bread, 
relishes, and the articles making up the menu. There 
was a hostess for each table who poured the coffee or 
tea, whichever was preferred. The guests had great 
fun working out the pied bill of fare. 

A NEW CAN SHOWER 

There is always a demand for supplies at orphan 
asylums and other public institutions, so this plan will 
be found not only practical but a means of social enjoy- 
ment also. In the name of the board of managers (or 
whoever may be in charge) send out invitations like 
this: 

Come to our Can Party. Come when you can. 
Bring what you can. Stay as long as you can. 

Add the day, date, and hour. The admission, of 
course, is a can of something. 

When all have arrived, pass tiny cans containing 
this contest (neatly typewritten) and a wee ballroom 
pencil: 

[ 347 ] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

A SHELF OF CANS 

A can that gives light, 

A can that is sweet, 
A can that is truthful, 

And one you can eat. 
A can that's a city. 

And one to erase; 
One spanning the river. 

And one that's a pace. 

A can that's a savage, 

A way for a boat; 
A can that's a country. 

And one which will float. 
One useful in warfare, 

A dreadful disease. 
And one which can warble 

With sweetness and ease. 

KEY 

Candle, candy, candid, cantaloupe. Canton, cancel, 
cantilever, canter, cannibal, canal, Canada, canoe, 
cannon, cancer, canary. 

Just for a novelty serve the coffee in new tin cups. 
Use tin plates, have candles in tin holders, and serve 
chocolate bonbons in silver wrappings. This affair 
is very attractive also when given for a bride who has 
just gone to housekeeping. 

A PAPER BAZAAR 

A COTERIE of girls, the eldest not sixteen, conceived 
this unique plan. They held a ''paper bazaar" at the 

[ 348 ] 



CHURCHES AND CLUBS 

home of one of the members at which only articles of 
paper were for sale. These included shaving balls, 
pantry shelf papers, napkins, flowerpot holders, drawer 
sachets, and paper dolls with the daintiest of wardrobes. 

Then they had all sizes of doiHes, candle shades, 
almond and bonbon holders, lemonade "straws" (they 
are really made of paper), and Japanese paper novelties. 
The booths were decorated entirely with paper and the 
attendants wore caps, aprons, and collars of various 
colored crepe tissues. 

Subscriptions were taken for magazines, also orders 
for place and score cards. 

THREE-SroED SOCIAL 

This rather novel scheme has just come to my notice. 
It all came about when the entertainment committee 
of a young people's society began wondering what 
could be done to take away the customary stiffness 
which seems to result when a large number of people 
come together who are not well acquainted. Wall 
flowers have to be drawn out and this is the way they 
did it. They issued invitations with this at the head: 

Object — 

To get better acquainted. 

To enjoy yourself. 

To help others enjoy themselves. 

The hour was three minutes after eight. The short 
program opened with three musical numbers. One of 
the three hostesses then explained that the cards to be 
passed contained nine topics for conversation, each to 

[349] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

take up three minutes and three minutes to be allowed 
to find a partner. The subjects should all be up to 
date. I append the ones used, to be added to or taken 
from as best suits those who may wish to try this idea, 
which seems to me to be a good one. 

1. My greatest pleasure. 

2. Books I have enjoyed. 

3. Funny stories. 

4. Adventures. 

5. The kind of book I should like to write. 

6. School-days. 

7. The trip I should like to take. 

8. Refreshments (instead of conversation). 

9. My ambition: What I should like to be. 

NOVEL BOOTH FOR A SUMMER BAZAAR 

A VERY jolly crowd, pressed into service for a summer 
charity fete, devised this unusual booth. Half a dozen 
youths and maidens blacked up as typical darkies and 
sold watermelon at ten cents a slice. They had also 
tall glasses in which they served little round balls cut 
from the heart of a melon and covered with sherry. 
This was thoroughly chilled and most refreshing. It 
was ten cents a glass. They sang negro melodies, 
accompanied by banjo and guitar, and took in a large 
sum. The booth was gay with reddish pink and green 
crepe paper. Heads of darkies eating watermelon 
peeped out of holes cut just to fit the faces. Real 
sunflowers had been transplanted and set out all around 
the booth, and one of the popular songs was "I'm as 
Happy as a Big Sunflower." 

[350] 



CHURCHES AND CLUBS 

During the evening strolling groups from this section 
went about the grounds singing and attracting custom- 
ers. It was not a difficult plan to carry out and all 
thoroughly enjoyed it. Buy the melons at wholesale. 

A SUCCESSFUL BAZAAR 

The preparations for this affair are simple. There 
is little work for any one person and it is an opportunity 
to add a goodly sum to the treasury. 

Saturday is the best time to have it and the place 
may be a large private home, church parlors, or guild 
halls. First have a flower booth at which the attend- 
ants may dress in costume and little flower maidens 
sell ferns for the table, pansies in wicker baskets, pots 
of violets, tulips, hyacinths, and low jars of English 
daisies. Usually a florist is close at hand who will 
permit a liberal commission and take back all unsold 
plants. Cut flowers will have to be disposed of. Have 
a home-made candy booth, with the boxes artistically 
tied with ribbon, also baskets, bags, and odd-shaped 
receptacles for holding bonbons. The attendants here 
should dress in white and red, with white stockings 
wound with red ribbon, to imitate sticks of peppermint 
candy. A lamp and candle shade table will prove 
attractive. At this, sell all sorts of place cards and table 
favors. Have those in charge dressed in up-to-date 
gowns, with lamp shade caps. 

A table with novelties for invalids would be a good 
seller. Here have absolutely fresh eggs; wine jelly put 
up in small cups or glasses, just enough for one time; 
books containing only recipes for invalid cookery; 
pasteboard rounds covered with white Unen to place 

[351] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

over the top of tumblers or glasses; pads of paper and 
pencils attached, to be tied at top of the bed; all sorts 
of dainty sacks and caps, slippers and water bottle 
covers. It is not that any of these things are in them- 
selves new, but it is the grouping together which makes 
them attractive. Have girls dressed as trained nurses 
to preside. In the rear of the room have an English 
dairy. The waitresses may appear as dairy maids and 
at small tables serve coffee, tea, milk, orange marma- 
lade, toast, honey, raspberry jam, cream, cake, brown 
bread and butter, and buns. The costume of these 
maids consists of short print skirts, aprons, rolled up 
sleeves, mob caps, low shoes with buckles. A well with 
long sweep may be arranged to contain lemonade. A 
young man in white apron and soft hat may add merri- 
ment by pushing a cart containing ice-cream, small 
cakes to be supplied by the waiters. 

To entice pennies from the children have a grab bag 
made to resemble an English "goose girl," with her 
tame goosie. The girl is to sit on a low three-legged 
stool near a curtain. The ** goose" is merely the arm 
and hand of another girl, with a long white stocking 
pulled up smoothly and fastened to the shoulder, 
making a flexible neck for the goose. Its head is her 
hand. A hole is cut in the toe of the stocking which is 
then sewed so it will not rip. Through this her thumb 
and forefinger, covered with bright yellow kid, come out 
in a bill which can snap and pinch and hand packages. 
The eye is painted in black on the side of the head. 
There is a hole in the curtain, and the neck and head 
are put in and out. 

The goose girl receives the money paid in, putting it 

[352] 



CHURCHES AND CLUBS 

in a basket in her lap. Then she begs the goose for a 
package, talking to it as though it were an ''educated" 
bird. The goose responds, sometimes by handing a 
package out at once through the hole, sometimes at 
first merely by poking its head out, snapping, and 
hissing. 

A CEDDLER^S PARADE 

As an adjunct to a charity bazaar or outdoor fete 
have a "Peddlers' Parade." The committee will un- 
doubtedly add many ''peddlers" to the list given here. 
It may be very amusing with costumes well gotten up 
and bright people to take the parts. At stated times 
during the evening start the "parade" circulating 
through the crowd after a procession around the room. 
There will be newsboys and venders of popcorn, peanuts, 
chewing gum, lead pencils, shoe-strings, and collar 
buttons. There will also be flower girls, bootblacks, 
candy (home-made), and fruit men, market gardeners, 
even carts with ice-cream labeled "hokey-pokey," an 
"Indian" woman with baskets and bead work, gypsy 
fortune tellers, hand-organ man (with a monkey if 
obtainable), in fact, all the street fakers with sidewalk 
attractions should be represented, not forgetting the 
balloon man. The broom man and old-clothes man 
should likewise be on hand. 

NEW BOX PARTY 

A YOUNG people's society gave this unique affair, 
which resulted in a most enjoyable evening for all the 
participants. The invitations were delivered in tiny 
pill boxes, the guests were asked to bring a lunch 

[353] 



THE ART OF ENTERTAINING 

prepared for two in a box, to consist of sandwiches, 
hard boiled eggs, cake, and wafers. The entertain- 
ment committee provided potato salad, coffee, and 
olives. 

The first test was for girls. Each was given an 
empty box, a piece of paper, and some string. Scis- 
sors were also accessible to all, and five minutes were 
allotted for seeing who could do up the neatest par- 
cel. A prize was awarded, consisting of a box of 
home-made candy. 

The next test was for the boys. The same boxes 
were used and a number of articles produced to be 
packed. The man who displayed the neatest box at the 
end of five minutes received a box of salted peanuts. 
The luncheon boxes were hidden, and the company, 
divided into pairs by matching animal crackers, hunted 
the boxes. Then, after the feast, a boxing glove was 
produced. Each one in turn had to put it on and 
write his or her name and the date. It was a funny, 
nonsensical stunt and ended a happy evening. 

A NEW CONTEST 

This jolly "mixer" was tried out at a church social 
and proved to be just what the committee hoped it 
would — such a lively affair that the entire evening was 
a great success, thanks to the lively beginning. 

When the company arrived they were astonished to 
find two long clothes lines stretched from end to end 
of the parlors. Little clothes pins with ribbons at- 
tached were passed by two young girls who were dressed 
as typical Irish washerwomen. Partners were found 
by matching the ribbons. One couple stood at the 

[354] 



CHURCHES AND CLUBS 

head of the Hne, each having a basket containing a 
dozen bandanna handkerchiefs. An overseer kept the 
time and the game was to see how quickly the twelve 
handkerchiefs could be hung on the line. When the 
final reckoning was read, the couple having the best 
record divided the handkerchiefs between them. 



[355] 



^ 



-X 



